Future of Paper Maps

It was about 600 years ago that the 'Age of Discovery' began. At that point of time a large part of the earth was still undiscovered by the Europeans. Sailors and discoverers from various countries went around the world 'finding' new lands. This was the golden age to be a cartographer, when new terrains were being discovered every other day.

Maps have been created and used since Claudius Ptolemy introduced the basic principles of geography to the world in his book Tetrabiblos. He created a large number of maps of different kinds, which were very accurate for his day and age. The first world map and globe was created by topographer Gerhard Mercator in the late 16th century. Eventually, the artists, scientists and geographers of the renaissance took the science of cartography to far higher levels. With the introduction of aerial photography maps became even more accurate.

However, a problem that plagued travelers, well into the 1990's is the bulkiness, and reading difficulty that comes with traditional paper maps. Though quite accurate and precise people often misread them; which has led to scores of lost travelers stranded on unknown roads around the world.

Enter the age of GPS where one can navigate to an absolutely new location with utmost ease and all with the help of a handy little device that you can install in your car.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides reliable location and time information in all weather, at all times and anywhere on or near the Earth. The system was developed in the 1970s by the United States Department of Defense. In the 1990s, seeing its great potential to ease the lives of millions of people around the planet, the system was released for civilian use. To date the US Air Force manages the maintenance and upgradation of the system.

Aided by GPS and accurate digital mapping, Automotive Navigation Systems or Satellite Navigation systems provide travelers accurate navigational data. The major advantage that Satellite Navigation provides over traditional paper maps is portability, accuracy and ease of use. These navigation devices are extremely small and easy to carry. Some of these devices can be taken out of the car with you as you walk around and discover new places.

Does this spell the end of paper maps? Some answer with an emphatic yes while others tend to disagree.

Supporters of old style paper maps argue in favor of the romantic feel of the map. Digital maps they argue, do not give the kind of information that a paper map, or a pocket book of maps offers.

Those in support of satellite navigation systems disagree. With the world becoming a smaller place and people sharing more information about the places they live in and visit, e-maps, as some call them, have become a warehouse of all the information you'd need when you visit a strange new place. This includes shortcuts, handy little tips, places to eat out etc. Moreover, using GPS enabled maps; one minimizes the risk of misreading to practically zero, ensuring greater safety and speed.

Sanjeev Walia is an executive working for SatNav Technologies. Buy SatGuide's India Map for Garmin GPS devices. Download SatNav's Mobile Locator Software. It locates lost mobiles or mobiles that have been stolen; making life more secure and simple.