Are Paper Maps Becoming Obsolete?
by Keith Skinner • September 26, 2011 • Essay, Travel • 4 Comments
In the Practical Tools for Walkers series, I explained how to use commonly available tools and techniques to record and share walks. Does that mean the era of the paper map is coming to an end? Will Google Maps replace the likes of USGS, AAA, and Rand McNally?
It’s a fair question and a topic that Mike Snowdon recently explored in an article for Travelllll.com.
Not tomorrow or next week, but, yes. Of course it might not be a case of Google v Rand McNally et al. Maybe the Rand McNally iPad app or a proprietary electric tablet “map” will be the thing. Electronic maps have or can have hyperlinks, route maps etc. And they are updatable.
For strictly utilitarian purposes, I would agree for the most part. The article raises some interesting issues, however. How do people self-identify when constructing maps. The author offers some interesting examples. What happens when the power goes off and you can’t pick up a satellite signal? I still remember learning to use map and compass for orienteering. Nerdy, yes, but very cool. And the art of the map is another great topic covered by the article.
One of the points from my comment, though, was that it doesn’t have to be printed map versus online. A map that doesn’t depend on internet access could be on a tablet device. As battery life increases one could go travel with an iPad device that would have map, guide book, and books for entertainment.
I agree.