[hiredhand]

GPS (more importantly, the internal map feature) could be useful in discovering back-road routes, which could then be marked on paper maps.

Ya got me there! I hadn't thought of that! That's a GOOD idea! I need to upgrade my little handheld Garmin e-Trex. It's been a good unit, but it's ability to store internal maps limits my stomping grounds significantly. There are newer models that use SD cards and I could stuff very detailed maps into it for several states from what I read! ...anyway...good idea!

[PapaBear3625]

google maps also has a nice feature, where you can tell it to map a route from A to B, and tell it to avoid highways. You can also click on a point in the route, and drag it so as to avoid a particular road, and it re-figures the route.

[NewJerseyJoe]

Then you take your paper map to get laminated (Kinko’s, local office shop, etc.), and you’ve got yourself a durable, waterproof map with a greatly extended life span. And you can write alternate routes on it with a grease pencil, if needed.