In case you don’t thoughts, indulge me in one thing that’s barely off-topic.
I’ve at all times liked maps—particularly paper maps. Even in an age of GPS and sat nav, I nonetheless preserve a North Carolina Gazetteer in my automotive.
I like the element, the elevation strains, and the truth that a Gazetteer doesn’t want a cost.
So, whereas this submit has little to do with QRP, POTA, or SOTA, it has the whole lot to do with navigation.
There’s no denying that instruments like Google Maps have revolutionized the best way we journey. I exploit Google Maps recurrently:
- For lengthy journeys
- Once I’m touring to a brand new tackle or exploring an unfamiliar city
- Once I’m discovering native scorching spots—like that BBQ joint everybody’s raving about throughout an in a single day keep
- And, in fact, for POTA parks and SOTA trailheads.
However right here’s the factor: as a rule, I don’t use GPS for hometown journey. Recently, although, it’s been a necessity. In western North Carolina, the post-Hurricane Helene panorama is crammed with washed-out bridges and detours. Visitors jams are frequent. Google Maps’ stay site visitors updates and re-routing have been lifesavers, so I’ve been utilizing it every day.
As wonderful as GPS instruments are, I can’t assist however marvel in the event that they’re eroding our means to retailer instructions in our heads.
That’s why, as I educate my daughters to drive, I don’t permit them to make use of GPS round city. They should study the roads and construct that psychological map. A few of their associates (and even a number of adults I do know) rely so closely on navigation apps that they will’t discover their manner throughout city with out them.
(Golly, that is beginning to sound like an 80-meter rant, isn’t it? Ha!)
Possibly that is on my thoughts as a result of we’re on a household journey to the North Carolina coast. Out right here, I’ve been intentionally attempting to navigate in my head quite than defaulting to Google Maps. There’s no site visitors, and we’re on no schedule, so it’s the right time to depend on the sat nav between my ears.
I’ve at all times felt uncomfortable after I don’t “perceive” the structure of a spot—the proverbial lay of the land. So I benefit from the problem of piecing it collectively mentally.
That mentioned, there’s one characteristic I like about navigation instruments like Google Maps: Related ETA.
You realize what I imply. You’re driving alongside, and Google Maps suggests an alternate route, labeled “Related ETA” or “2-3 Minutes Slower.”
I’ve a rule: if I’ve by no means taken that highway earlier than, I take it.
It’s sensible.
I keep in mind as soon as driving again from Philadelphia with my buddy Mark, who was visiting from Australia. We have been on a well-recognized two-lane freeway when Google Maps began providing alternate routes, every solely including a couple of minutes. With Mark’s enthusiastic approval, we took virtually each one.
And wow—what a deal with! On one route, we handed a convoy of Amish households in horse-drawn carriages. On one other, we crossed a ravishing lined bridge. Mark was elated—two quintessential American sights checked off his bucket record.
Even at dwelling, Google Maps’ “Related ETA” characteristic has taught me a number of stunning shortcuts. I’ve realized that some routes I assumed have been lengthy detours are, actually, environment friendly options when a important highway is jammed.
So what’s the purpose of all this?
Truthfully, it’s simply one thing on my thoughts this morning, and I assumed I’d share it. Possibly there are others on the market who, like me, get slightly thrill out of exploring “Related ETA” routes.
I’d additionally encourage you to show off GPS navigation while you don’t actually need it. Navigation is a ability—one which’s simple to lose if we don’t use it recurrently.
Plus, there’s one thing deeply satisfying about understanding the big-picture structure of a spot. Paper maps supply that wide-angle view of the world round us, and the psychological maps we construct reinforce it.
In an hour or so, we’re heading to a ferry terminal. I’ve already mapped the route in my head. Right here’s hoping there’s good signage so I don’t must cave and use GPS like an enormous, fats hypocrite!
72,
Thomas (K4SWL)
