Thread: 21st Century People....errrrr ....persons

Originally Posted by p38arover

There are quite few mapping errors in GPS maps. At least with the Navig8r one can report errors and they get updated quite quickly (free to download the updated maps).

I have reported a number of roads that are closed in the middle, just don't exist, or don't go through (like yours). I have also reported incorrect speed zones.

Another problem is the GPS maps don't always have the no right turn info (for example) and the GPS insists one should turn there.

My firmware has also been updated to the current version.

It is true that technology is always flawed and there are usually ways to repair observed flaws. But the real problem exists between the steering wheel and the driver's seat. Someone driving a large truck or bus, when instructed to turn left into a narrow side street from a main road, to get to a motorway on-ramp, should have the smarts about them to question what they are being told to do.

When I was in San Francisco last year one of the taxi drivers pointed out a succession of drivers. They showed the same type of behaviour, they moved slowly, often went through red lights, tended to dart across lanes (one nearly hit us), would stop in the middle of a busy road, ... The drivers weren't watching where they were going, they were looking, and driving by, their dash mounted GPS units. The drivers had little or no situational awareness at all.

Me? I don't have a GPS in the car. I have enough trouble getting the radio tuned properly. I use one on the boat because it shows markers that have been updated since my maps were drawn and I can see quickly my bearing both true and magnetic. But that does not exclude the charts I also carry on the boat.

Alan

I use both paper maps & gps.

A gps can be invaluable in times of search & rescue. But so can a paper map.

One time, I had to call in some assistance. Speaking with those that were coming to get me, I managed to guide them in via the paper map, but as there were no other landmarks visable for miles, I then gave them the gps location. They managed to come directly to me, using the route that I had, which we knew was ok, and everyone went home happy.

This saved time, and certainly made their job easier.

As far as I am concerned, they compliment each other. Learn to understand & use both.