by Bill Cichoke

Created on: March 04, 2009

Will the humble map ever go the way of the dodo and other extinct species?

As long as there has been any kind of technological progress, that question has been raised regarding items and products far too numerous to count. From buggy whips to phonograph discs to movie rental houses, a technology, product, or service only has life as long as it has a perceived purpose only it can fulfill. When it is no longer able to satisfy a certain need, it is no more. The newest and greatest version or vision will take its place, and it will forever gather dust on the ash heap of history.

So what of maps? Is there a need to keep volumes and drawers and shelves and buildings full of paper artifacts? Is there any reason the average person would ever need these again? Do they still have any use or place?

The answer is, yes they do.

GPS, and the various audio-prompt and graphically entertaining receivers designed to harness it, is useful only as long as far as how it meets the need of the user. For plain simplicity and usefulness, nothing beats the good old 'accordianated anachronism.'

For military personnel, this is doubly true. Surprised? Don't be. The military has no intention of terminating mapreading and land navigation training any time soon. Although it seems counterproductive, it is far better to have the use of a standard map when planning and executing movement, than it is to have everyone off on their own, guided by their own 'star,' as it were. As map training is a standardized function within the military, all branches use the same skill to determine and follow course and distance. Even folks aboard the world's most advanced naval vessels still back up GPS readings with good old-fashioned charts.

The main reason the military (the largest user of GPS services in the country) still use maps, is due to the fact that they are fixed reference materials, at higher resolution than can be offered real-time to any receiver small enough to be man-portable. Any data regarding geological changes or topographical variants, is used to create maps that are up to date (rarely will a military unit go on maneuver with a map that is over 1 year old). These maps are sturdy enough to travel with the troops and bear up under their use. They are impervious to dust and other environmental issues, and do not require a battery to operate (outside of those in the flashlights used at night to view said map). They do not suffer from interference or software issues, and carry only that information

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>