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Paper maps: Amid GPS boom, nostalgia finds a place

Houston Chronicle -- COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Used to be, Dad would stuff a half-dozen maps in the glove box before setting out with the family on a road trip to see the waterfalls at Yosemite or the granite faces of Mount Rushmore. Colorful maps bearing the logos of the oil companies that printed them — names like Texaco, Gulf, Esso — once brimmed from displays at filling stations, free for the taking.
But of the more than 35 million Americans expected to travel by car this Fourth of July, a good chunk will probably reach for technology before they're tempted to unfold — and in a tradition that used to bind Americans as tightly as a highway cloverleaf, try to refold — a paper road map.

Websites like MapQuest and Google Maps simplified trip planning. Affordable GPS devices and built-in navigation on smartphon

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Submitted Jul 08, 2012 By: remay

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NavyStore Champion Author Seattle Posts:3,860 Points:2,078,870 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jul 16, 2012 1:41:17 AM Ignore NavyStore Report Abuse Have to fall back to my 7 year old Thomas Guide on occasions, when Google Maps is wrong and Mapquest won't pull an address either.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,650 Points:1,612,445 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 11, 2012 6:51:45 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse I never did rely on GPS (heck, I don't even own one b/c they are far too often wrong).
NanaNJNJ Veteran Author New Jersey Posts:280 Points:56,025 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jul 10, 2012 12:21:08 AM Ignore NanaNJNJ Report Abuse i like maps.
kkimes Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,606 Points:1,508,105 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jul 10, 2012 12:12:16 AM Ignore kkimes Report Abuse On my latest trip to Ohio last month, I bought my first map in years. GPS's are great for mapping a course from point A to point B but nothing beats a paper map to get the big picture or to quickly see alternate routes that will take you past something you want to see. I don't care how big the screen is on your GPS, it just can't do that.
jerej829 Champion Author Memphis Posts:2,866 Points:696,515 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jul 10, 2012 12:08:04 AM Ignore jerej829 Report Abuse ok
sparky808 Champion Author Honolulu Posts:3,013 Points:600,660 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:29:32 PM Ignore sparky808 Report Abuse Thank you for posting.
Agarre Champion Author Richmond Posts:1,335 Points:263,785 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 9:22:23 AM Ignore Agarre Report Abuse Old is Gold
bston Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:1,830 Points:644,975 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 9:04:52 AM Ignore bston Report Abuse Can't always trust GPS. A trip a couple years ago took us through Nashville trying to get to Florida from Oklahoma!
Edpap Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:4,349 Points:509,100 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 9:01:43 AM Ignore Edpap Report Abuse Still need the paper...my GPS has had me sharing dirt roads with TRUCKS FROM STRIP MINES.
OldMan322 Champion Author Illinois Posts:5,170 Points:1,597,665 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 8:55:32 AM Ignore OldMan322 Report Abuse For me its paper all the way
mwc407 Champion Author North Carolina Posts:1,095 Points:559,735 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 7:58:41 AM Ignore mwc407 Report Abuse I have a GPS and use it often, but I also keep paper maps as well. Especially on longer trips, the scale of a paper map helps.
ktyson13 Champion Author Maryland Posts:1,546 Points:399,350 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 5:44:04 AM Ignore ktyson13 Report Abuse I only use GPS now. Maps outdated.
AskMeLater Champion Author Amarillo Posts:1,999 Points:580,595 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:58:59 AM Ignore AskMeLater Report Abuse Haven't used a paper map or atlas for over six years.
Amtrgas Champion Author Oakland Posts:2,678 Points:1,623,445 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:53:07 AM Ignore Amtrgas Report Abuse Paper maps will always be needed.
TBONE3 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:8,761 Points:1,979,575 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:17:54 AM Ignore TBONE3 Report Abuse All the new electronic devices are great until they take the long way, or to an underweight bridge or a covered bridge too low for the load or vehicle and a weight restriction that allows only a horse and buggy, one at a time. through the structure. Better have a map and Atlas with you then so you can get outta there!!!
APlus Champion Author San Antonio Posts:3,928 Points:994,145 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:16:58 AM Ignore APlus Report Abuse Paper maps still work
dky63 Veteran Author Illinois Posts:417 Points:166,965 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:16:45 AM Ignore dky63 Report Abuse The State of Illinois still prints maps, what a waste.
SteelPenny Champion Author Dallas Posts:30,999 Points:2,608,915 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:15:51 AM Ignore SteelPenny Report Abuse I still have paper maps for alkl the roads from Texas to the East coast.
JagXKR Champion Author British Columbia Posts:3,169 Points:1,093,480 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:13:38 AM Ignore JagXKR Report Abuse I still like the paper maps though I must say I'm getting swayed over to the tech side.
yakstar Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,435 Points:482,570 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:09:02 AM Ignore yakstar Report Abuse although nice to look at, the paper maps were impossible to fold correctly, would always rip, the print was too small...what else can we pile on top of the mess we already have with these maps?
naiiawah Champion Author Boise Posts:2,405 Points:692,025 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:06:56 AM Ignore naiiawah Report Abuse Paper maps, while good for nostalgia, suck when it comes to real use.
Ron77095 Champion Author Houston Posts:3,075 Points:605,600 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:02:57 AM Ignore Ron77095 Report Abuse lol.
GigHarborHound Champion Author Tacoma Posts:2,547 Points:490,440 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:56:21 PM Ignore GigHarborHound Report Abuse GPS here.
reeneedan Champion Author San Jose Posts:1,200 Points:385,845 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:56:07 PM Ignore reeneedan Report Abuse the problem is you can't read a paper map while you are driving
Cuzilla Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:12,201 Points:2,352,105 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:54:54 PM Ignore Cuzilla Report Abuse I still use maps. I also use GPS.
miser709 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,268 Points:1,072,550 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:54:28 PM Ignore miser709 Report Abuse GPS for me.
truckpdlr Champion Author Tucson Posts:2,964 Points:1,099,020 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:53:42 PM Ignore truckpdlr Report Abuse LOVE EM!!!
ammamama13 Rookie Author California Posts:96 Points:68,285 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:53:28 PM Ignore ammamama13 Report Abuse Give me a map any day. I enjoy using maps and seeing the whole picture. Although there have been times when I finally got to my destination area and couldn't find the place I was suppose to be at and wished I had a GPS.
lgwhitlock Champion Author Chico Posts:7,400 Points:1,688,420 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:53:08 PM Ignore lgwhitlock Report Abuse Paper maps are still very useful though I do grab my smart phone almost as often. My wife however will take paper over technology any day...
furiousfowl Champion Author Riverside Posts:16,870 Points:2,752,105 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:51:50 PM Ignore furiousfowl Report Abuse I like paper maps!
ilderton All-Star Author London Posts:679 Points:1,499,540 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:47:21 PM Ignore ilderton Report Abuse my map doesnt bark at me to "turn left" when i am at a t-intersection with only a straight or right hand turn option!!!
boatmen Champion Author New York Posts:3,095 Points:625,505 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:46:16 PM Ignore boatmen Report Abuse yep everyone has it on the phone nowadays
Dodge_Me Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,214 Points:558,480 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:45:01 PM Ignore Dodge_Me Report Abuse "mfeldstein" you refering to an old chrysler? Like it
carman11 Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,353 Points:694,650 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:41:14 PM Ignore carman11 Report Abuse GPS has been a life safer for everyone.
abiyeye Rookie Author Connecticut Posts:27 Points:2,225 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:41:09 PM Ignore abiyeye Report Abuse gps and maps drive any one crazy
mfeldstein Champion Author Ottawa Posts:8,186 Points:1,933,405 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:41:00 PM Ignore mfeldstein Report Abuse There's nothing can beat reading a map in the car with an album playing on the skip-proof turntable mounted under the dash.
10k Champion Author North Carolina Posts:21,275 Points:2,256,945 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:39:06 PM Ignore 10k Report Abuse i can't afford enough gas to worry about GPS or paper maps..my long distance trips are 45 miles to my son's house..
Mariuxus Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,770 Points:1,873,765 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:35:51 PM Ignore Mariuxus Report Abuse ok...
Dodge_Me Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,214 Points:558,480 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:34:27 PM Ignore Dodge_Me Report Abuse I used to love paper maps and still have a soft spot for them but... when gas stations started charging us so much for those maps, I did start looking for alternatives. I used to travel alot before the GPS or electronic maps and I've had at least at least 50+ maps with me at all times that started to cost $5 bucks each, which sucks now because they are worth less. The best part of a paper map is being able to see the big picture with detail, with electronics the screen always reduces the details when looking for an overview and usually on a small screen.
ShadowACE Champion Author Boston Posts:9,033 Points:2,152,500 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:33:30 PM Ignore ShadowACE Report Abuse I have a couple of GPS devices, and I use them often. I also have some paper maps which I use at times. The paper maps are a few years old now and some of them are no longer reliable in some areas. That will always be a problem with printed maps. My GPS's have recently been updated to the most current maps available, and they are very accurate. Those who have commented on the cost of GPS technology being expensive haven't looked at them lately. I just bought a very nice Garmin (factory refurb) for less than $100. That's with lifetime map updates AND free traffic info. And if you don't like a "snotty sounding" woman you can easily change the voice to a snotty sounding man, or even to one that's NOT snotty sounding. My GPS indeed HAS taken me off the desired course a couple of times, but overall it has saved me far more often than it has misled me.
CartelBuster Veteran Author Detroit Posts:419 Points:1,582,530 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:32:38 PM Ignore CartelBuster Report Abuse I Use Both!
HA4CNN Champion Author Toronto Posts:5,639 Points:1,546,415 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:32:15 PM Ignore HA4CNN Report Abuse Paper maps still have their place.
KrsnaDragon Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,422 Points:534,325 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:31:36 PM Ignore KrsnaDragon Report Abuse Why would anyone limit him- or herself to only one or the other?
umitb Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:3,686 Points:845,390 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:31:34 PM Ignore umitb Report Abuse ok
anascom Champion Author Hamilton Posts:1,593 Points:553,115 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:29:13 PM Ignore anascom Report Abuse who buys maps these days other than old people who are afraid of using new technology ?
vulcan96 Champion Author Ohio Posts:26,940 Points:3,106,600 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:27:56 PM Ignore vulcan96 Report Abuse i still like maps
lunarrv15 Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:14,882 Points:2,387,260 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:26:40 PM Ignore lunarrv15 Report Abuse okay...interesting thanks for posting
mincemeat26 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:14,920 Points:2,997,410 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:26:26 PM Ignore mincemeat26 Report Abuse I do maps first, then GPS as backup.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,866 Points:1,615,135 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:26:25 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse The only way to see your whole trip is on a paper map. Google Maps is great for the details but there’s no substitute for a large map to get started with.
dancygreen Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,073 Points:487,710 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:26:18 PM Ignore dancygreen Report Abuse I LOVE my maps! but use yahoo, etc when more detail is needed