Is Map Reading a Lost Art in the Age of GPS Technology?
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Chapter 1: Nostalgic Journeys with Dora
The phrase “Backpack! Backpack!” brings back vivid memories for Millennials and Generation Y, reminiscent of their childhood days watching the beloved series "Dora The Explorer." In this show, Dora, alongside her monkey companion Boots, embarks on adventures, navigating from point A to point B. For many children of that era, watching Dora explore the outdoors was a fascinating experience, particularly since they had fewer opportunities to play outside compared to earlier generations.
Dora's essential tool for her adventures was, of course, the Map. This interactive character, portrayed through anthropomorphism, is a staple of every episode, helping Dora figure out how to reach her destinations. Notably, Dora consults a paper scroll rather than a GPS device. She memorizes key landmarks, stows the Map in her backpack, and relies on her viewers to remember the significant points along her journey. There’s no modern technology guiding her step-by-step.
This traditional method of memorizing maps has been a long-standing practice for travelers since map-making began. I recall family road trips where I would study a paper map for familiar landmarks, ensuring we were headed in the right direction. As a child, I was also keen to note when we entered a new state, using the map to look for rivers, ridges, or other notable features that indicated our crossing point. This curiosity fueled my desire to keep track of the states I had visited, aiming to explore all 50 states one day.
Recently, I conducted an exercise with some friends where I handed out blank maps of the United States, asking them to fill in the state abbreviations. There was no competition; it was simply a way to gauge our collective knowledge of state locations. A teenage girl in the group managed to label around 15 states correctly, while another woman identified about 20. I fared better with approximately 35 correct. As highlighted in the accompanying photo, I do struggle with pinpointing the Western states and some small Eastern ones, which I attribute to not having prioritized visits to places like Vermont, Montana, or the Dakotas.
Nevertheless, I am aware of the locations of the states I’ve traveled to. This knowledge proved beneficial during a recent trip to Massachusetts. While attending the 2023 NAACP National Convention in Boston, I took the opportunity to visit Plymouth Rock, a significant piece of American history. Without my geographical awareness, I might have missed out on checking off this bucket list item, inspired by childhood shows like "Schoolhouse Rock."
The decline in map reading skills can largely be attributed to the widespread use of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, which have made navigation exceedingly convenient. Nowadays, individuals are less inclined to rely on landmarks or familiarize themselves with their surroundings, as GPS technology offers turn-by-turn directions with minimal errors—except in cases of neighborhood changes.
However, this convenience can lead to challenges, especially if the power goes out or systems malfunction. Devices have a significantly lower tolerance for failure, increasing the risk of becoming lost. Despite the common belief that memorizing state locations is an unnecessary mental exercise, honing map reading skills can be incredibly beneficial.
In our technologically advanced era, what are your thoughts on the importance of map reading skills?