With the increasing availability, ease-of-use, and declining price of handheld GPS devices in the field of outdoor adventure, some people are wondering why they should invest in traditional paper versions of maps at all. While GPS devices certainly have upped the accuracy and convenience of navigation in many regards, don't go tossing those old topos just yet. We're not saying a GPS isn't a great investment or addition to your outdoor gear, but ultimately shouldn't be your single piece navigation equipment while on trail. Here are our top 5 reasons why you should still pocket that paper map...
5. Paper is cheaper & waterproofing is easier Even compared to the most inexpensive GPS unit, printed maps are almost always less costly. While most outdoor-specific trail maps are printed on waterproof paper these days, if you find yourself with something flimsier, all you've got to do is throw in in a ziplock bag or seal it with laminate film. Unless you've invested in a waterproof GPS you'll find yourself forking out some good cash in the search for a compatible waterproof housing unit for your device.
4. Electronics are heavy. At least in comparison to any amount of paper that you would likely be carrying. Unless you need 10's or 100's of different topo sections or plan on carrying an entire guidebook on trail, paper maps can be folded to fit just about any pocket and are lighter than even the lightest GPS handheld.
3. Precision & accuracy are not the same. Thomas Harrison, veteran cartgrapher & map publisher states, "We have all seen times when a digital GPS device has told us that we were precisely at a street that did not exist. A device can be precise without being accurate."
2. 24/7 availability & durability. GPS devices function on battery power. Whether rechargeable or a few AAA's, most handhelds can only last about 15 hours per charge/replacement. What happens when you find yourself over that battery limit with no accessible plug-ins or extra batteries or you accidentally drop & break your GPS? Lost, that's what.
1. Paper maps make you a better navigator. Navigating with paper map & compass does take skill & practice, but the long-term benefits are worth it. Individuals with these skills have a significantly increased spatial perception. Professor of spatial geography, Dr. Toru Ishikawa from the University of Tokyo found that "people on foot using a GPS device make more errors & take longer to reach their destinations than people using an old fashioned map" (www.psmag.com).While there are obvious advantages and disadvantages to both paper and GPS, it is best to have multiple methods of navigation. When your GPS fails, you have your paper map & compass backup and when your paper topo doesn't show the fork in the trail, you can use your GPS to navigate the shortest or best route to your destination via coordinates. Whatever your preferred method, use your head, know your route, and be prepared with a backup navigation plan. Want to learn more about GPS and map reading and improve your navigation skills? Checkout this great free pdf guidebook from National Geographic.
