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October 25, 2007

This Just in: Rand McNally Says Paper Maps Here To Stay


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The San Francisco Chronicle recently ran an article questioning the future of paper maps, and asked GPS users what role, if any, maps play in their live. "I don't think paper maps are going anywhere, but people may be using them differently, more as a companion to the online or digital map."" said Joel Minster, chief cartographer for Rand McNally.

Hmm, personally I don’t think I would even have a paper map in my vehicle if I had a navigation system on-board.
"Maps are kind of old-fashioned, they’re more of a collector's item - something you look at if you're going into an area and want to see where you want to go and what to see and do. But if you're going from the airport to the hotel or to see a client, MapQuest or GPS is better." says Damon Wood, a GPS navigation user.

Unlike my Mother, who still searches for that street in the index at the back of that dusty map book, then tries to find it in square A5 on page 134, I tend to side with Damon, GPS is easier, more accurate, and saves a few trees. Though, there are those who still argue otherwise,
"The more people use GPS, the more they realize the importance of the paper product," Henry Poirot, president of the International Map Trade Association said, explaining that paper maps are often a necessary backup for drivers.

Well, when Independence Day (the film, not the actual day) comes and all the GPS satellites are destroyed, I guess we’ll have to resort to paper maps, but until then electronic navigation is here to stay.

Quotes from SF Chronical

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