I’ve had some conversations with fellow RVers that went something like this: “What kind of GPS navigation system do you use as you travel?”, I asked. They responded with something akin to: “I don’t need no stinking GPS to do my navigating! I can read a map just fine.”
hmmm, that got me to thinking. I’ve told many people that I won’t travel without a GPS navigation system anymore, but I love maps too. I can read a map with the best of them and I’ve traveled across this country a few times before GPS was available. So, what *is* it that I like so much, that can’t be done with a paper map?
One day, when we were in Southern California and we were taking a side trip in the car, we didn’t have our laptop with us and so had to navigate the old fashioned way. I knew we needed to turn right on Sweetwater Rd. and I was looking for it. It sure seemed like we had gone too far. Had we passed it? Oh no. How many miles would we need to travel before there was some other road or landmark that would verify if we had missed our turn?
Then I realized, that’s it! With a GPS navigation system, it just takes a glance at the computer screen to know if your turn is still ahead, or if you missed it. When you’re in unfamiliar territory, you don’t know the landmarks. Without a GPS, you have to be constantly vigilant in watching for your turns. With a GPS, you can relax and enjoy the view.
In the short video above, I show you a sample of how we use GPS navigation. What about you? What do you use, if any?
Chris Guld
www.GeeksOnTour.com
Let the Computer do the Navigating