Map reading is an acquired skill that has been for the most part lost for quite some time. Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow Brotherhood taught me many things that paid off when I entered the service of our country.
In basic training, one of the items on the bivouac week was to navigate a specific route given to us with the only directions a map, some landmarks and compass azimuths. Each of us individually had to navigate that course in a time limited test. I was stunned how many in 1971 could not even get to where they were starting from, never mind where it was they were to be going.
GPS is nice when trying to find something in an urban setting but I always switch over to the map view when traveling. I still carry my lensatic compass wherever I go and in addition to keeping my mileage and daily work tables, the little netbook laptop runs Microsofts Street & Trips with a GPS dongle. The only trouble with that is Microsoft no longer supports the product and the updated maps are non-existent.
I went traveling all over the place checking out our national parks during the 60s, 70s and my pals were two ex-Boy Scouts. We only navigated by maps ... there was nothing else. It wasn’t hard because the parks are huge and easy to find. But I learned a bit about the basics of the US highway system and how to get around.
And, I grew up [like everyone else] getting around Los Angeles with maps. A new Thomas Guide was a necessary tool.
I was stunned a few years back to see how the Thomas Guide had shrunk.
over my travels I had a huge map collection. I gathered them up years ago and gave to Goodwill. Laer on I realized I missed them.
Best mapping software out there. I still use it too. To complement my GPS. I have it on my laptop, and I also print maps and directions when making a trip. I will use these if I don't like what my GPS is trying to make me do. Then the GPS has to recalculate according to my wishes.
Many years ago, when stationed at Ft Knox, some of us did a lot of 'Spelunking'. We had detailed maps (Corps of Engineers or Coast and Geodetic Survey Maps) which located many wild caves in Kentucky. We visited many of them with flashlights and carbide lamps.
“In basic training, one of the items on the bivouac week was to navigate a specific route given to us with the only directions a map, some landmarks and compass azimuths. Each of us individually had to navigate that course in a time limited test.”
Had similar training in the Army. I was on a night navigation course and got run over by a Whitetail Doe, LOL! We were both OK.
I can find my way around fine in the woods; but if there’s a way to take a WRONG turn when I’m driving somewhere, I WILL take it!