Maps have become an indispensible commodity in today’s world. And they are needed not just if you are travelling to a different city or country, but even if you have to go somewhere within your own city, you definitely need a map. After all, it is much easier to refer to map to get to your destination rather than asking random strangers for directions and getting confused. Now that it is established that everyone needs a map at some point of time or another, the question is whether to buy a conventional paper map or get the new Google Maps app on your phone.
While many travellers may still prefer the age old method of using a paper map, the new generation of adventure seekers often prefer the Google Map app which not only saves money but also the space which the paper maps occupy in your luggage. While a normal map will have to be bought from a store, the price of which can range anything from $2 to $10, Google Maps are free to be downloaded. Also, a different paper map will have to be bought every time you are going to a new place but Google Maps, once downloaded, give you a map of the entire world with each and every detail of every city on every continent. A bundle of paper maps in your luggage will also take up unnecessary space which could otherwise be used for carrying more important things. Google Map hardly takes up a few MBs of your phone memory space.
Google Maps is the latest technological innovation and was created with the specific aim of making travelling more convenient so that tourists never have to face harassment at the hands of some unscrupulous locals. In furtherance of this objective, Google Maps does not only show routes but also gives information about good restaurants, places of tourist interests, train schedules etc. This is Google Map’s big advantage over a conventional paper map which would only be useful for getting from one place to another. Also, even with respect to route information, paper maps are not as detailed as Google Map. In fact, with Google Map’s satellite view option one can even see the buildings, roads and water bodies which makes the route even easier to follow.
Google Maps definitely make a traveller’s experience more fun and easy. It offers unlimited options for exploring new destinations and also saves time and money. However, it is a fact that you require an internet connection at all times if you want to access Google Maps. If there is no internet connection, Google Map will not be able to give results for your location enquiry. So, if you are stepping into the remote wild for an adventure trip, it might be best to have a conventional paper map too. After all, if the internet signals are not available or if the phone battery dies down, it will be the paper maps which will be a life saver.