This is part of a series about the first decade of the twenty-first century, also known as the Zero Decade or zerodec. Text from DJCline.com.
Ten years ago, I used printed maps and atlases to find my way around.The biggest advance were maps broken up into laminated plastic sections so they would hold up longer.
I started using CD-ROM maps but they constantly needed updating. MapQuest and then GoogleMaps made it easy to find and print a route and location. I loved seeing aerial views and then street views of any place I might visit ahead of time.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were soon available with better displays and digital voices that would tell you where to turn. One problem I had was that they did not hold up well in a hot car. Another was their crazy route selections. I kept my old maps in the glove compartment.
GPS is improving but suffers the same fate as photography. It is becoming just another a feature on cell phones, one I avoid. While it might be nice to know where I am and where the nearest gas station is, I’m not sure everyone else needs to know. Until they work out the details, I’ll keep my old maps in the glove compartment. Text from DJCline.com.
Copyright 2009 DJ Cline All rights reserved.
Posted by dj in Commentary []