Date:         Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:38:29 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Maps vs GPS
Comments: To: mcneely4@COX.NET
In-Reply-To:  <16332437.30004.1255130371108.JavaMail.mcneely4@127.0.0.1>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

I like maps.

I have hiked and canoed using topo maps and a compass, I've sailed using
navigation charts and a compass, I've flown in small airplanes all over
this vast land of ours - including all over Alaska using aeronautical
charts - both Sectional and WAC plus charts for instrument flying - both
government and Jeppeson. I like maps. Even with the finest of GPS
systems - I never want to be without a map. I learned early on to
navigate boat and airplane using a chart, a compass, and a clock with
sweep second hand. To be without those basic tools is anathema to a good
navigator. Any good navigator at both land or sea knows how dangerous it
can be to depend on something so whimsical as a device that runs on
electricity. GPS - nice - very nice - but far more comforting too have
the navigators tools of charts/maps, compass, watch and dividers and
know how to use them.

My $0.02.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Dave Mcneely wrote:
> I've been so many places I can't remember them all.  Way more than I can
> count.  I've never been really lost, and I've never used a GPS in my
> personal (as opposed to professional, where I've had reasons beyond
> navigation) life.  I backpack, and use topo sheets but not GPS.  My
> daughter was instructed to climb one of the named stairway "streets" in
> Berkeley with her Corolla by her navigation system.  Go figure.  I just
> see no need to complicate my life beyond where it already is.  Maps are
> a delight to peruse, and any nincompoop can use one if (s)he wants to.
> Me included (I'm a senior nincompoop).  I have maps on the walls in my
> study where I sit at the moment.  I also have them on the walls in my
> bedroom, my living room, my guest room, and in the hall.  They are fun.
> I have books of maps, and files of maps.
>
> Try using a Garmin for an extra layer of insulation sometime.  I did
> that with a map, high in the Chisos when it was colder than I expected.
> It made some small difference.
>
> David McNeely
>
>
> On Fri, Oct 9, 2009 at 5:24 PM, steve@eurocampers.com wrote:
>
>> Maps rule if you have a copilot that reads maps.  My son and I
>> travelled throughout Germany with just maps.
>>
>> I travel now mostly by myself or with my wife as copilot.  She is
>> nearly useless when it comes to maps, so our TomTom rules!
>>
>> I always travel with a GPS and a road atlas.
>>
>> Steve
>> SKL Enterprises Inc.
>> http://EuroCampers.com
>>
>> 888-797-5994 - orders
>> 636-337-7700 - customer service
>
>