GPS vs. paper maps

[John Farley]

In light of the incident in SD yesterday, I thought I would start a thread about the reliability of GPS versus detailed paper maps like the Delorme state Atlas and Gazateers. I guess I am really "old fashioned" in the regard that I use the latter. However, I have never had the problem of the map showing a road that was not there or ended when it should not have according to the map. (Maybe I am just lucky, but it doe raise some questions in my mind.) Yes, the paper maps do get outdated and contain inaccuracies, but usually that takes the form of the presence of some new road that was not on the atlas. I did get confused about my location once because of this, but it did not cause me any danger. So here are my questions:

Are the GPS systems more prone to showing roads that are not there than the old paper maps? And if the answer to this is "yes," might not the paper maps be a better option?

 

[Chris Foltz]

John, I always carry a state road atlas and state issued map for any area I chase in but many of them don't show county/section road details. That's the one main drawback I have with them. Additionally, unless you have someone with you to serve as a navigator, it's difficult in real time to keep an eye on the storm, keep an eye on the road and have any eyes left to check out a paper map looking for road options. A GPS unit or mapping program requires a shorter duration inspection for road options than does a paper map as most folks have it set up with their GPS position displayed. A quick glance to the display will usually give you (hopefully) accurate road option info. As I mentioned in the other thread, technology is great until it fails and puts you in a bad situation.

 

[Bryan Stokes]

John,

For two years, I used paper maps and then I started using Streets and Trips this year. I have paper-versions of the Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer for every state in the great plains form Texas to North Dakota. I always have my paper copies with me and I think it is a smart thing to do in case your computer fails (it happens). I occasionally reference both the electronic and paper copies during a chase if I have time.

As for inaccuracies, I've found them in both. I can't really say that one is definitely better than another.

Bryan

 

[Jason Foster]

For years I used paper maps then kept them as back-ups, but since I've had so many years with flawless operation from DeLorme I just decided to leave them home (and then eventually gave them to my friend who is a GIS/cartographer professional).

I figure...even if the program fails I can find a store with the program and buy one in a pinch. I'll miss the action at the moment of failure, but I've lost the ability to use paper maps in the middle of a chase anyway. Hell, I've even considered seeing how much memory I would need to keep a majority of chase territory of google maps (at two zoom levels) on HDD. I believe many use a in-car navigation as a back-up now rather than paper maps. It's about the same cost when looking at all the various states you have to buy (at I think $40 per map x 6 or 7 states).

 

[Jay McCoy]

I love my "streets of" and gazetteers. I use them alot. They have always seems more accurate and also show more options than GPS usually does. I use GPS on GR3 and Streets but its always nice to have a backup and a good way to get your overall bearings. I also keep smaller foldable laminated state maps on a clipboard so i can see a bigger area and keep an idea of the overall picture without having to zoom out on GPS. Also great for finding the bigger roads and towns quickly.

Ofcourse it always helps a ton to have a partner you trust with you to do all the navigating.

 

[Ryan Moats]

I use both resources during a chase to make a decision.

 

[Tim Balassie]

John,

I haven't joined the GPS world yet. I still use either Delorme or "Roads of ..." maps. I guess I shouldn't admit this given the recent furor, but I do sometimes drive with the map propped in my lap resting on the steering wheel. But not for long period of time!

Actually, I bought some adhesive colored arrows from a stationary store. After an update/stop I will put an arrow at my current location and one where I want to go. I can just glance at the map while driving and figure out where I'm at. I know - Luddite!

Still waiting for IL storms ....

Tim Balasie

 

[Jason Foster]

Of course it always helps a ton to have a partner you trust with you to do all the navigating.

Yes...solo chasing make good navigation a ton more difficult. So much better when a partner can zoom in and out for you, check on "when in doubt" options, and if savvy enough, can check google earth/google maps for road verification (very rare in the middle of a chase).

When in a group, navigation is my favorite responsibility!

 

[Rob H]

We use software and paper, although I agree with Bryan. We didn't get into an optimal position on 5/22 partly because we had a ~20 minute detour due to a phantom road that should have existed according to our fairly recent road atlas. It seems like in that part of South Dakota you can't trust *any* resource.

 

[Tim Balassie]

Reading Robert's post reminded me of chasing in SD last June. Now that I think of it the paper Delorme had several errors - non-existent roads mapped, or vice-versa. Almost ran out of gas once. There's apparently something off about SD mapping. Something to keep in mind - caveat emptor.

TMB

 

[Nathan Edwards]

Being a foreign chaser and chasing alone, I've always gone with electronic maps for ease of use. Even before getting stuck on that field, I'd had an emergency brake situation send the laptop into the footwell and crash it, losing me mapping info for a few minutes (thanks to a random chaser pulling out in front of me) Seriously considering coming out with another person next year in light of my problems up in SD and being radar/navigator to their driver. Just need to find someone to come over with me after nearly killing myself this year lol!

I generally prefer reading paper maps but it's just not feasible on your own...