Re:Google Maps updates 'dangerous' Ben Nevis route
by tweetle_beetle on Saturday July 17, 2021 @04:31PM
(#27868586)
The argument being made is not to do with maps. In blunt terms, it's that mapping apps have many possible failure points outside of your control, while traditional map reading and navigation skills only have one - you.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
Re:Google Maps updates 'dangerous' Ben Nevis route
by arkitaip on Saturday July 17, 2021 @04:35PM
(#27868626)
People got lost using maps all the time because they were and are difficult to read.
Re:Google Maps updates 'dangerous' Ben Nevis route
by nradov on Saturday July 17, 2021 @04:49PM
(#27868747)
Difficult how? Proper topo maps have a standard format and are easy to read.
The harder part is figuring out where you are on the map, and what route to take.
Re:Google Maps updates 'dangerous' Ben Nevis route
by brewdad on Saturday July 17, 2021 @05:58PM
(#27869160)
> The harder part is figuring out where you are on the map, and what route to take.
Aye, there's the rub.
Re:Google Maps updates 'dangerous' Ben Nevis route
by throwaway3neu94 on Sunday July 18, 2021 @02:01PM
(#27874980)
Paper maps are also constantly outdated, can't record your track, and show way less extra points of interest.
Maps also cost money and take weight and take time to ship or pick up, meaning in many groups at most one person will have one. Better hope you don't have to split the group. Everyone has their phone. Offline maps can be had for free, weigh nothing and you can download it on short notice.
I also object to maps having no failure modes. They definitely wear out, or rip, or get stains. Some aren't waterproof. They are also terrible at night, even with flashlights (especially since most people will have lights with shitty CRI). And they can't zoom - so of you're farsighted, hope you don't lose your glasses...