Two different implementations of GPS.
Vehicle navigation systems are only as good as OEM updates of roadway systems. In my dense suburban county new developments are constantly in construction. New roads are built, some old ones get dead ended. The algorithms aren't and can't be 100% accurate 100% of the time. Just as with nautical and air charts one must update street maps and even then it has certain holes. Like spellczech it requires some basic user knowledge.
The handhelds give excellent positional info regardless of roads. Lots of goodies available, waypoint memory, altitude, compass bearing, quad sheet info, etc.
Makes moving about easier, works best as you said in conjunction with paper maps. The old magnetic compasses work only if one knows how to use them.
In any case I use maps before setting out into unknown areas.... there be dragons out there.....
;>)
Boy Scouts provided excellent training. Our Marine scout leader taught us to sketch up our own maps, how to pick landmarks, indicate terrain features, rough elevation guesses, etc, driving the points home with his Korean war experience
.... my flight instructor told me once if I got lost ..... fly low over an interstate highway and read the signs.... he meant it.....:o)
I honestly carry a ruck in my vehicle even around here that gives me 16 days of comfortable living if I should be marooned , lost, injured, need to hole up or broke down vehicle in a remote area .
The ration packs I make with a food saver can be stretched to 45+ days if augmented with small game , fish and forage ....
Primary item I wear is a brietling emergency II watch that has a built in PLB aka personal locator beacon. It was a gift as I couldn’t afford nor would I pay as much if I could afford it.... well maybe...:o)
http://www.breitling.com/en/emergency/
If you hunt, fish, hike, fly, work or wheel in remote regions its the cats ass of cool tools.
ACR makes some very good PLB’s as well. Bottom line is “”skill sets”” and practice using them versus relying on items / gadgets you may or may not have with you or aren’t working properly.
Ya’ll stay safe !