by Drake P.

Created on: June 17, 2009

When people say "no" to this question, they may be limiting their views to the current technology and the applications they are familiar with. Sure, maps are cool. They are permanent data you only lose access to if you lose the maps themselves, but thats it. How often do you use a GPS to locate yourself on a physical map? Do you really carry around a watch, and a sextant and find your latitude and longitude manually? If you have this archaic skill, I commend you. It's a great hobby but for navigation it is just not practical.

Now, for true accuracy second by second you pull out a GPS. True, you could have forgotten to charge the batteries, or the device is broken. Hey, it maybe you don't have a map installed for it. These are problems that could potentially end your trip, or lead to an unpleasant time navigating by hand. These are also current problems and should not color your opinion on future developments. The question is "Will GPS EVER replace" not, could it replace it right now.

Imagine a device that is made with a fold-able screen. It communicates wirelessly with our ever expanding cellular data networks. It passively charges when exposed to the sun, but the battery is rated for a week of continuous use, or a year in storage. You pull it out and it pulls your location off the GPS grid, and grabs local maps from the aether and paints them onto the screen you're holding in your hand. You want to hike a trail, or eat at a nice local restaurant. The device shows your options right on the map you're holding You choose your destination and it paints the easiest path given your current mode of locomotion.

Sound ridiculous? Fold able, roll able screens exist that draw very little power and are direct sunlight readable. Electronics exist that draw so little power you could leave them on for a week before they shut off. Batteries exist that are compact, yet hold a tremendous charge, and don't let it go easily. Our continuously expanding data networks blanket the country in information. Google Earth already does all the information work, try it out today. Hey, it even works with most phones and your built in location finding service! All these things exist, just not in one device. Pulling them all together would be an almost simple feat for any of the electronic giants.

A device that feels like paper, yet is dynamic in its content is inevitable, so please, don't judge the technology in it's infancy.

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