I guess I’m confused.
I’m of the older generation who learned to use maps.
But, with GPS, at least GPS on my phone, and in my car, a display of a map shows up, and a dot shows your position on that map display. Don’t you have to know how to interpret a map in order to understand where you are according to the GPS designation?
With a car navigation system or smartphone app? Not really. It just tells you where to turn, very little thinking / interpretation required.
How to cripple a generation:
Manual transmission, rotary dial phone, analogue clock.
No.
They don’t really look at the map that comes up...they just click for directions and follow them. I taught my grandson (16) to read a regular road map and find things. Starting with places he was familiar with and he had a hard time. He at least has a basic understanding of how to figure things out without GPS.
I am a flight instructor. I love GPS as it makes life easier. I also have a real map. I like the GPS as it tells me were to go with precision. It also tells me a lot of other things that are not on the map. GPS is good!
I like my magnetic compass even more. When the GPS tells me where to go I do not have to punch a screen to know where to go next. I do refer to the GPS as needed. If the GPS went “tits up dead” I will arrive safely at my destination via a map and compass.
If flying IFR you are totally dependent on electronics.
Following highlighted instructions on a screen for a turn or exit coming up in a few minutes is entirely different than planning a trip to an unfamiliar city, selecting major highways, exits, and the final few turns in an unfamiliar location.
Which is entirely different than following a map and compass to sail between ports or fly between airports.
GPS is a great tool.
Ever try to navigate through London with a map on you lap?
But for what it's worth, I very seldom use a map since I already know how to get to wherever I want to go.......
Before GPS, I used to have my glove compartment jammed with Rand McNally maps. Sometimes I would pull them out just to look at them and find shorter ways to get from A to B. Or longer scenic routes. GPS navigation does not have an option for "scenic route".
And yes, I could usually fold those maps back up the same way I bought them (most people can't do that).