Bikey Mikey

Smart phones, computers, and technology are just sets of tools that one can use, but a person should always use the tool they were born with, their brain.

fietsbob

I have a nice collection of paper maps from previous tours.

Rick@OCRR

I used to be a real Garmin skeptic but once I used one to get around in an unfamiliar city (to me), I was convinced. Yes, you do have to use your brain if the Garmin is telling you to go someplace really stupid, but overall, it does a very good job.

Rick / OCRR

GeorgeBMac

I just saw an article saying that Google is releasing its maps as an app that will work on any IPhone. The article didn't have a lot of specifics -- but it sounds like things are back where they started. (But I suspect that they still won't have the turn-by-turn directions that I want/need for driving).

jmccain

It's available now from the iTunes store - free.

Steve B.

Yes it does turn-by-turn. It's not available yet for iPad.

Also has superior traffic data compared to Apple (who's traffic info sucks, as I discovered yesterday).

It's not the primary map app for iPhone, so doesn't access your phone contacts data base, so no ability to tap an address in contacts. That'll still launch Apple Maps.

Condorita

As a professional driver, I despise, abhor, and hold in contempt those "turn-by-turn" directions. Get out your map, find where you are, find where you're going, then write down the directions. In large print so you needn't squint. Don't use talking GPS devices; you're driving erratically and making unsafe lane changes.

GeorgeBMac

I try to cover all the bases: Whenever possible I'll look at a map (even if its just MapQuest) before leaving -- then I turn on the GPS and use the turn by turn directions. But, if they aren't making sense or if I know a better way to go, I take it. (The GPS's seldom provide the quickest route).

The thing I don't like about blindly following the turn-be-turn is that once I get there, I have no idea how I got there...

Phil_gretz

Two years ago, my wife gave me a Tom Tom for use in my car. Last year, she gave me the $15 "Mr. T" voice download - very, very entertaining...

"Don't gimme no jibber jabber, at the end of the road, turn left"
"In 400 yards, turn around. Don't make me come outta this little box and make you. You know I'll do it."

Which is fine for the decision time that you have at driving speeds. But for bicycling, I prerer county paper road maps. They're free is you ask, and allow you to plan and ponder before a ride. They're also helpful when you're asking a local person for a recommendation. Just takes a bit more preparation to make certain that you have the maps that you'll need on a longer ride.

Mobile 155

Don't you look at the map on the GPS screen when they give you turn directions? My GPS have a map showing my location on K street and what direction I am going. If it says Right turn in 500 feet I look over and the upcoming Cottonwood Street shows with a red arrow going right. So I know I took K street to Cottonwood and if we had a Electro Magnetic pulse I would know to go back on Cottenwood and turn left on K. Just kidding a bit.

I still have map books I bought 5 or 10 years ago that I have only opened once or twice in those 5 or 10 years. If I meet some new person or if I get invited to attend a function in another city I don't go to the map drawer I look things up on line and see how to get there.

As far as using phone maps while riding I have done that several times because I don't trust the mileage markers on most printed maps. Once I learned about Trap Streets for copyright I keep thinking I am on one when a turn doesn't come where I expect it. (The problem is hardly ever the printed map it is most often my legs and lungs believe I have gone farther than my eyes.) Still I will pull out my phone and look at Google maps to see just where I am before I continue following the direction the printed map gave me. So after a while I simply don't use printed maps because I will use my phone or Garmin to check on the map anyway.

blt

They won't go back to the Google Maps app that was in iOS 5 anytime soon, but there is good news. As of today, the Google Maps app is available for the iPhone, and the new app it has turn by turn audio directions.

Don't know if you can make the Google app the default so when you hit an address in contacts on on the browser it will go to Google Maps instead of Apple. I haven't downloaded the new app yet, but from what I'm reading in reviews, it should suitably replace the old Google app, and once again, people will be able to rely on their iPhone for directions without having to go to the less desirable browser version of Google Maps.

Steve B.

You can't. Apple Maps is the default map app so when you press an address in a contact, it'll launch Apple.

As well, there's no real way to access your contacts from the Google app and that has folks scratching their heads. Some buzz and complaining about that on the Apple techie websites.

technoD

I guess I'm so old school, my compass even has dust on it! I will never own any ijunk or lower myself to the likes of a app.
I have a map, therefore I am there.

qcpmsame 

My dad was a master surveyor and cartographer when maps were drawn from a field book's notations of a land survey. I have my specialty for my Env Eng degree in cartography and photogrametry (aerial and satellite imagery interpretation.) Using a good topo map say a quadrangle size gives me a lot of pleasure as does actually drawing the map from the start in the field with an instrument like a theodolite or transit. I know I am a dinosaur, but I am a happy dinosaur, I still have my drafting tools and a table at home. These tools, the drawing table and my slide rules will never leave my possession. The USC&GS catalogue was my "wish book" for many years.

No iPhone or google map gives me the satisfaction a drawn paper map does.

Bill

Old Sarge

I love maps. I have loved maps as far back as I can remember. I remember getting free maps at the local gas station. Biggest benefit of AAA was trip-tiks and maps. When I worked in downtown Los Angeles, before getting back to Texas where I belonged, my office was a couple of blocks from the USC&GS offices/store. But one of the first programs I got for my computer, after installing a CD reader on it, was a map program. Love my Garmin GPS because it came with a good map program for my computer. I hate driving on Interstate highways so I lay out routes that avoid them when I vacation. I still stop at every tourist information stop near state lines to get new state maps.

I was very disappointed with the apple maps app and have added the google app to my iPhone but I often trust my memory, though it is not as sharp as it once was, to double check the electronic data.

Rowan

A compass has been a long-time inclusion in my handlebar bag for a long time. I bought it before I even got into cycling -- I think it's around 30 years old. Compasses don't wear out or need new batteries. We've used it several times on our current travels to help determine where we were and which direction to take. Even firing up the computer to take a look at googlemaps wouldn't have helped orientate us, and particularly so when there aren't any meaningful street signs such as in some small towns in Europe.

I've spent many hours poring over detailed forestry and land survey maps deciding on bicycle routes to take. Too often, the current electronic systems just can't provide the detail that a good-quality map can, right down to the topography. Maps also don't run out of batteries or fail to function if dropped, and if properly sealed, can get wet without issue.

GeorgeBMac

Simply put: The right tool for the right job.