Google maps on smartphones is GPS based. You can ask it to show you where the GPS seems to indicate your vehicle to be.
Yeah, I figured that, but I do prefer use of landmarks, crossroad & land features, etc., to always know "about" where I'm most likely at (if not being able to keep track of exactly).
That's a big help, I'm sure. Still love hard-copy maps, the trucking oriented Atlas and Gazetteer in particular. If provided location where I'm likely at -- if using a hand held device, or dashboard GPS, if I could zoom out to class A road level (major streets, and of course highways and Interstates) then orientation would be a breeze. Most the time.
Being handicapped (no GPS) since I have to remember what I see when studying maps, pre-trip (which is something I've always enjoyed) sometimes I'll jot down names of key crossroads, exit numbers along the way, --whatever can be used as cross fix to be employed as I would 'go along' with one line of any cross being the road I would be on that I should know name of.
That part can be a little dicey if having made a wrong turn, and the signage is not up to snuff.
What helps the most is distrusting myself to get it right.
That compels to study-up where crossroads go, and how to maybe get back on intended route. Going over it, setting in mind what roads go where (off to the sides of the route) what those road names are, helps identify them. Drawing out crude maps by hand can help, but in my own experience have not always been enough. That helps keep me distrusting myself, so compels studying the maps all that much harder when having opportunity to.
I used GPS on the water, and Nav programs too, so have some understanding of how the system works. A long time ago I used Loran C -- and even Loran A a little, but the latter was being superseded by 'C' by the time I got into the wheelhouse in capacity that it would need be myself who would need know where I was at beyond visual and radar.
Ever heard of 'coon-ass navigation'? That's where offshore of Louisiana, a guy can use an Oil and Mineral Block chart (that's probably not the just right name for charts of that type, but should serve as part of present attempt of explanation) drive the boat near enough to an oil platform, or satellite rig -- read the number and abbreviation for what 'block' -- and there you be -- within a square mile or so.