by Keith Hoell

Created on: September 24, 2008

There are many new technologies developed within the last decade that have garnered new products and services. One technology, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), is perceived by many people as a recent technical development. Actually, GPS technology has existed for decades and was used almost exclusively by the United Stated military until the early 1980's when, out of utility, its benefits were extended to civilians. This technology uses several satellites to provide location-based tracking and other useful corresponding information to individuals. A GPS device, which uses GPS technology coupled with a computer processor, can formulate maps, measure the altitude of terrain, as well as measure the distance and speed of an object. Automated directional navigation is one of the most helpful services a GPS device can provide. GPS devices come in all varieties: there are those for cars, boats, airplanes, and even ones wearable on the wrist. Are these devices a harbinger for the demise of traditional paper maps? People may think so. I disagree as per my points below:

1. GPS devices are only as good as the technology that supports it. Simply, when the technology doesn't work (i.e. the satellites' signals are lost) neither does the device. Paper maps obviously don't rely on a coupling technology (devices to satellites) to help make them work. In this case, simplicity breeds utility.

2. GPS devices use line-of-sight principles. For example, a dense cloud cover or heavily wooded area affect the satellites' ability to couple with the device leading to connection problems and reduced or no directional assistance. Obviously, maps don't have this problem.

3. Maps can be used to explore and/or plot a course anywhere on earth, including inside buildings and underground spaces such as tunnels, caves, etc. Don't even think of using GPS for that.

4. Maps are a lot more reliable than GPS simply because they work all the time. People shouldn't be using a ten-year-old map to plot courses, so the timely acquisition of new and updated maps is essential. But how often do major highways and even secondary roads really change that don't simply require an updated map every couple of years? This is a task that's as simple as downloading and printing an updated hardcopy map from the Internet.

5. No technological knowledge is needed to read a map. Some technological knowledge is required to use a GPS device. I mean some people still have trouble tinkering with digital watches so they stick to analog ones.

In all these cases it's obvious to understand that a map's simplicity breeds utility. The benefits that arise out of the fact that a map can just be unfolded and used lends to the belief that a GPS device will not supplant it. Of course GPS devices can sometime be more convenient (I mean isn't it wonderful to hear a spoken voice generated from a device and giving a person turn-by-turn directions?), but it's only convenient when it actually works and even working 95% of the time may not be good enough when it comes to the importance of always knowing where you're going all the time. In these ways, I believe the usefulness, handiness, and good reliability of traditional maps will always supplant the current benefits provided by GPS devices.

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