Forum Discussion

Lessmore's avatar
Lessmore
Explorer II
Mar 22, 2014

Tow vehicle- do you use GPS or just a compas and a map ?

When I travel in the countryside, I usually just use a compass and a map.

In a strange city, I find I still mostly use a map and compass.

I find an in vehicle compass invaluable and refer to it on a regular basis.

I often wonder if map reading and compass use, is more a thing that my generation (older) do ?

How do you find your direction in life ? :)
  • I learned marine navigation old style, but on land and water, nothing can beat GPS.
  • I have never used a compass in a vehicle, but have a pretty innate sense of cardinal direction at all times. Maps, however are a must. We do have a GPS, but find it most valuable when in a strange town or city and looking for stores and restaurants. I've never liked blindly following "turn right, turn left" directions without having a larger picture of where I am and where I'm heading. Nothing on a 5 inch screen can replace a good map. Of course, you must pull over and stop before reading a map.

    Now, when going out into the woods on foot with no trail (bushwacking) that compass is a must. Especially in areas with little topography where you can't pick out landmarks. As a forester, I've gotten "a might bewildered" a couple of times even with a compass and an aerial photo.
  • After over 35 years traveling the world using a simple map, usually printer off or copied before I left for the trip I can say for positive I am so happy to have GPS now. I have a very good sense of direction so most times all I need to do is have a general idea of where I am going and I get there pretty easily.
  • Before computers and the internet there were no rv forums. Technology just makes some things easier.
  • If you use nav software then you still need to verify the route with a map. GPS software is anything but perfect.

    BK