-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: MAPS-L Digest - 28 Dec 2010 to 29 Dec 2010 (#2010-240)
Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:45:59 -0800
From: Virginia R Hetrick PhD <[log in to unmask]>
To: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship <[log in to unmask]>


Hi, Ekrem -

I do a lot of work with people who use waterproof "paper" maps to get
around in wilderness areas where GPS and googlemaps are less than
helpful.  These folks are generally stunned when they wind up
someplace where they aren't able to locate themselves.  So, one thing
I've taken some time to do with them is to explain that the process of
"mapmaking" by electronic means still may not be as accurate as having
somebody who's checked out the territory.

They are stunned to find that out because many of them haven't "driven
off a cliff" because they followed "the voice" or "driven into the
ocean" because they took the left turn where instructed without
looking where they were going.

So, I'd favor the "they will look for more map products" theory.

What's really a shame is that all this interest in mapping in the US
is taking place in a population that can't identify the countries of
the world on an outline map or the states of the US on an outline map
or the counties in their own states on an outline map.  If you don't
know where you are, how can you have the expectation that you'll be
able to find where you want to be?

Just wondering.

v
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Virginia R. Hetrick, here in sunny California
Email:  [log in to unmask]
"There is always hope."
My fave:  http://www.washington.edu/cambots/camera1_l.gif
There's no place like:  34N 8' 25.40", 117W 58'5.36"
if you can't be at:  48N 6' 59.9" 122W 59' 54.2"
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