by Algy Moncrieff

Created on: April 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 27, 2007

Just as good? I don't know about that. A map and compass is so completely different from a Global Positioning System (GPS) that they really are hard to compare. However, I would suggest that a map and compass is better (in the right hands, which is almost any) than a GPS system - because a map (unless it is really badly made) will never let you down, and a compass will always point north.

I'll start with the GPS. A GPS tends to be a little hand-held computer/device/thingy that "talks" to satellites, which in turn tell it where in the world you are. In theory. Here is the first problem - I have been told by a GPS on various occasions that I am a good distance from my actual position. Admittedly this was a few years ago, but the risk is still there, however much technology advances.

Another drawback of the GPS is that in adverse weather conditions it may not be able to find a satellite, and then if you haven't brought a map, you could be in serious trouble. Furthermore, they are effectively computers. Computers are well known for running out of batteries, refusing to work, and crashing just when you need them to work most. And finally, reliance on a GPS may well mean that you have no ability to use a map whatsoever, and you will not always have a GPS to rely on.

A map on the other hand (when combined with a compass) will only let you down if you use it wrong, such as resting your compass on a big metal object, holding the map upside down etc. etc. Even when soaking wet a map will tell you the way to go (as long as it doesn't disintegrate in your grasp), and also contains much more useful information that the GPS can tell you. Such as the location of the nearest pub!

Another bonus of a map is that you can examine it in an intelligent fashion and impress all the people bumbling about with their GPS units. It's also rather satisfying after a hard day's navigating and hiking to find the tiny farm you've been looking for in the middle of nowhere, in a thunderstorm, with only your map and compass. You can work out the time it will take you to get from A to B taking account of the gradient of the terrain using a map, Naismith's rule, and a spot of guesswork.

A map can be folded to make an origami boat too if it takes your fancy. Try doing that with a GPS.

Admittedly it does take quite a bit of practice to get good enough at using a map and compass to find that little farm when you'd rather just curl up and sleep in the nearest hedge, but it is worth it.

Don't get me wrong - GPS is a fantastic invention, and can save you time, confirm your position, and often save you a good deal of time in case you take the wrong path. Just don't rely on it!

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