As of 2019, why do mountaineering courses still teach how to use a paper map?
I've been looking into learning how to mountaineer and noticed that the local mountaineering society still requires a training in navigation as part of the prerequisites for most of their basic courses. As part of this training, people are supposed to learn how to use paper maps and a compass, only then moving on to using various electronic apps.
But as of 2019, what's the point of ever touching a paper map and a compass? Aren't there now amazingly reliable devices that have capabilities far exceeding anything you can do with a paper map? Given the low price and weight of electronics, you could even bring multiple backup devices on the hike if required. Are there some considerations that I'm not taking into account?
A GPS can tell you with reasonable precision where you are. So far as I am aware, they don't tell you if you are about t …
5y ago
Many excellent answers have detailed how you need to learn reading paper maps for various practical reasons involving yo …
5y ago
The most important reasons have already been given in other highly upvoted answers. Planning, coverage, resolution, etc …
5y ago
There have already been quite some answers but I have the feeling that these answers are a bit one-sided towards paper m …
5y ago
I can't believe the convoluted answers. The answer is simple. A Map and compass WILL always work. The electronic device …
5y ago
Have you ever heard of the Uyuni salt flat? 10,000 km2 of almost perfectly flat surface, 3 km above sea level. 0 GPS s …
5y ago
A massive advantage of paper maps over electronic is the combination of area and resolution. You can take a bearing to a …
5y ago
The default expedition map in the UK is Ordnance Survey. The apparent most popular GPS map app for walking in the mounta …
5y ago
Maps and compasses are independent of any power source, so it is usually recommended to take them with you. GPS devices …
5y ago
Paper map screens are more flexible and they handle drops better. A paper map keeps power for longer, stays on for longe …
5y ago
Probably the simplest answer to my mind is that if you're going to have redundant methods for just about anything, they …
5y ago
Digital content is no substitute for skill Here. Describe to me how to fly the go-around on a Runway 13L approach to Mi …
5y ago
Among the great answers above, some touched on the price of electronic maps and their inadequacy for hiking (e.g. lack o …
5y ago
I have a very practical example of the value of paper maps: I found a waterproof, tear resistant map of my usual mounta …
5y ago
Paper maps do not run out of power. In an emergency situation you may only have that as an option
5y ago
Jonathan. I think the other answers miss the fundamental point. The GPS course just tells about GPS devices and how to …
5y ago
Ultimately a map is a map is a map. Regardless of the media it's presented on, whether that be digital or paper. You s …
5y ago
Aren't there now amazingly reliable devices that have capabilities far exceeding anything you can do with a paper map …
5y ago
I'll answer both as a geomatician who makes maps (both paper and digital) and deals with GIS data for a living. I'm also …
5y ago
The Map is not the Terrain Doubtless you've heard this aphorism, and perhaps it seems out of place for your question bu …
5y ago
The reason is that it is irrelevant if the map is on an electronic device or on paper - if you misinterpret the informat …
5y ago
This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/q/24498. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
21 answers
The Map is not the Terrain
Doubtless you've heard this aphorism, and perhaps it seems out of place for your question but I think it's actually the key point. The aim of the navigation course is to teach you to understand the terrain you are going to be walking over and begin to predict how you will experience the terrain based on the map you are viewing. Paper maps are unambiguously better for this, because you are asked to do more to understand them and place yourself.
One of the most basic skills needed to use a paper map is to be able to locate yourself on it. In order to do this you must translate what is on the map into what you are seeing and vice versa, which forces you to be to able to transition between map and terrain. A GPS on the other hand skips this step by doing it for you, and in doing so robs this simple step of all teaching and learning value.
I also agree with the other answers regarding the benefits of paper and compass over electronics but I think in terms of the teaching context that your question is directed at these answers are missing a key point.
This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/24514. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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