Do I have to be able to read a map?

[4.3LXJ]

That question came up on a weekly newsletter I get for my GPS app. So if I have a GPS, do I still need to know how to read a map if the GPS will always tell me where I am?

[nickyg]

Have to? no. should you? yes.
In the zombie Apocalypse the GPS satellites will be the first to fall. making Rand McNally the new supreme overlord.

[downsy]

Do you have to? No. But it is a very useful skill to have. But it's a "perishable skill". If you don't practice you will forget how to do it. I've learned how to read/navigate with a map and compass about 4 different times now since I was a kid haha.

[GoneWithTheWind]

What if Zombies eat your batteries?

[Mudderoy]

That question came up on a weekly newsletter I get for my GPS app. So if I have a GPS, do I still need to know how to read a map if the GPS will always tell me where I am?

You better, since the military can turn off the GPS at will. But you knew that.

[cpttuna]

A copy of Army Field Manual FM21-26(Map Reading) and a good Lensatic Compass are a couple off nice things to own.

[4.3LXJ]

X2 on the compass. Another thing whose use has almost gone from the planet

[cpttuna]

My wife and I are old school. We do not have a GPS device. WE took our son somewhere and he brought along his GPS(TO show it off). It did not work well because we were using a recently opened stretch of highway his GPS did not show. I have trouble with him even carrying a roadmap because he has so much faith in his GPS. There are some skills that are nice to possess even if you never have to use them.

[4.3LXJ]

Listened to a guy today that was following his GPS from one town to another in the Coast Range here. It took him up into the national forest, shortest route, and then quit because it did not have a phone tower available. Those folks had a little trepidation over that one

[cantab27]

map reading yes ...asking for directions NEVER

[4.3LXJ]

map reading yes ...asking for directions NEVER

Real men don't ask for directions. Congrats on manning up :smiley-taunt002:

[Mudderoy]

8261

[Carves]

I like to be able to unfold a map and see ...

Where I started,
Where I am,
Where I'm going, and
Where I might like to go.

I also like to see at a glance .... that I'm "X" distance from the destination which means "Y" travel time and about "Z" amount of fuel ... instead of clickety clicking, thru a bunch of screen displays ... to get the same info :rolleyes:

GPS is sometimes handy to confirm where I am.
Damn things are too much effort tho - when you have to sit a table at with a proper map, then tappety tap way points into the electronic doodad - to make sure it makes you turn left at all the correct intersections,

... instead of just at Albuquerque .. :D:D

Road Maps are easy.
Topo maps take a bit of getting used to.
Compass is easy,
Doing the maths to get magnetic north depending on a topo map, print date, can be a horses arse ... so a GPS is handy as a, quick, cross reference.

If you're on a track/trail, exactness is not such a priority anyway ... a rough and ready North approximation with a wrist watch, for the map orientation - will do in most cases. Different matter tho, if you're silly enough to be hoofing it thru the scrub, instead of driving on a track .. :D

[drakan1908]

I don't use GPS or maps. My wife always tells me where to go. [emoji15]

sent from a van down by the river

[nickyg]

8261


Is no one going to mention how clean and manicured these hands are? Are you sure you own a jeep?
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/20/0e6e1b15293723291c9ad21ea64082ce.jpg


Sent from my toaster using Tapatalk

[Carves]

Is no one going to mention how clean and manicured these hands are? Are you sure you own a jeep?


:smiley-laughing021:

Actually ... he's the biggest export customer ... for this product .. :rolleye0012:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYCnHctYTQw


:smiley-scared003:

[Mudderoy]

Is no one going to mention how clean and manicured these hands are? Are you sure you own a jeep?
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/20/0e6e1b15293723291c9ad21ea64082ce.jpg


Sent from my toaster using Tapatalk

For you Nicky I'll share my secret SOAP!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4135JAHCVZL.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/315%2BDVIVk9L.jpg

[LizardRunner]

I have several different compasses, my silva ranger is my favorite, it can be set for demarcation so you are always looking at true north (if you set the demarcation that is). I love my topographical maps for trails, road maps for travels and I still have a bunch of my naval charts, why I don't know since I am land locked, but you never know.

we do have two GPS units, one is hand held the other is for in vehicle only, we mostly use them for geocaching and occasionally for trip backup navigation (keeps the wife happy).

[4.3LXJ]

I have two Silva compasses left over from working in the woods. Great compasses