E-Maps vs paper maps - Essay Example

?GPS Vs. Paper Maps The ability to define various locations with GPS and paper maps is one which creates a sense of defining the locations and the capacity to locate a specific area. The paper maps generally worked better than the GPS because it was more accurate in defining the specific locations, while errors and misinterpretations occurred with the GPS. The statistical difference that is noted between both comes from the methodology that is used. With the GPS system, there is a coordination based on degrees, minutes and seconds that is converted into the navigation of where one needs to go as well as how long it will take to get to a given location. The paper map system uses statistics of basic length as well as a generalized location of which streets are used and where one should be. To read the map, there is the need to read more thoroughly with rough estimates of the time that it will take to get to a given location. The difference is based on the automated use of the machinery as opposed to the physical reading to find a location. The statistical analysis used for the GPS is decimal degrees = degrees+ minutes/60 +seconds / 3600, used specifically to translate the coordinates. The statistical difference with a map is based on the measurement of a given location in kilometers and / or miles. The differences that are noted between the two types of maps come from the physical translation versus the automated translation. The physical version is based on the capacity of the map to show the detailed examples, which makes a difference in how one can read the map and the results that they will get. The GPS system has the difference by using time as the main coordinate and the decimal degrees from where one is to how to get to the point specified. This is used because of the satellite system which is required while moving through the various coordinates, which limits the system by the farthest area which one can go, specifically in relation to timing. The results that were found with the findings in Valletta led to identification which worked in favor and against the group in both instances. The first paper map which was used wasn’t able to provide a good reading of the coordinate and the copy didn’t have the ability to read the landmarks. However, when a different paper map was given, the details were easily seen and accuracy was consistent while moving through the map. There was also the ability to get a general idea of the surroundings and where to move to next because the map isn’t limited by one location. The results with the GPS is one which was limited by only showing how far one needs to go to get to the location without having options for alternative paths. This leads to a lack in time and the inability to get alternative coordinates. There were also difficulties with the GPS because it didn’t pinpoint all the landmarks accurately. The interpretation of these results could lead to difficulties in trying to find the best options for getting to different points. The GPS, while working for those who want to get to a location with the easiest route and a step-by-step guide, would work effectively. However, there is a large amount of possibility for error, specifically because alternative coordinates can’t be identified and the overall changes in the system can’t be given when one goes in a different direction. The inability to show more than one point to a location while focusing on the time instead of space can lead to several errors and misinterpretations. However, a faulty map can be just as confusing as it may miss landmarks or can lead to misreadings. The advantage this has over the GPS is one can see the complete picture of their location, find alternative routes and can easily replace the map with a better guide. The GPS; however, remains with the automated expectations and can only give limited information. Twitter When using the Twitter map, I found that the same results appeared as the GPS. There were good directions and the ability to look at details, landscapes and various angles that were used. There was also the ability to look at the various parts of the area, specifically which was seen in real time. This provided more insight into the location where I was at while allowing me to investigate the specific road and landmark. By seeing the real time aspects with the map, it became easy to identify where I was at in any given point of time. While there was the ability to create a sense of understanding with where I was, as well as what the general map directions were, there were also several faults that are a part of the system. The map works well if it is used like a physical map. This allows one to zoom in on the map to see the different roads and the general landscapes. However, there is also the option of taking a person and landmarking a specific spot. This shows the area which one is in as well as the surrounding area. When doing this, there is no approximate area that one can put their spot in. It will go to the nearest possible location, which could be 3-5 blocks away or even in a different proximity. There also isn’t a convenient way to get out of this option, which can easily lead to one getting lost when they are using the Twitter Map system. If there isn’t the ability to see the alternatives, then one can easily become lost and won’t be able to use the alternative for finding a location unless there is driving in a one way direction with the location already known to the individual. The particular downfall of this GPS system makes it easier for the person using the system to only use the Twitter Map as a physical map. The qualities which work with this are based on the ability to see the different alternatives when looking at the roads from a distance. However, when zooming into a location, there isn’t the ability to know exactly where one is in relation to the landscapes that are around them. This makes a physical map easier to use while the Twitter can be used as a secondary source if an individual wants to know which turns to make at a given location after the entire route is mapped out. Similar to the GPS and the paper maps, the Twitter becomes based only on the ability to create an understanding of an approximate location without the capacity of giving alternatives or showing the different landscapes which may be available. Reflection The ability to find different options with the expedition is one which led to several different types of understanding, specifically with being in an unknown location. The expedition began fine and with the belief that the paper map, held by 3 of the teams, and the GPS, held by the other 3 teams, would provide accuracy. Being dependent on these specific tools led to a sense of blind trust that we would easily be able to find our way through Velletta and complete the expedition as needed. The team I was on worked with paper maps. I found that the navigation system of the map, after being readable, provided better alternatives for travel. There were alternative routes, the ability to get from point A to point B and options which could be used to ensure that, even if we did get lost, we could retrace back a different way. To this effect, the sense of dependency that I had on the map was able to offer good directions and interpretations which each individual could use. The main problem which occurred was a lack of communication and the ability to interpret too much. The group realized too late that an alternative route would have worked better for the assigned tasks. It was also recognized that the amount of time which had to be used because of the misunderstanding caused for several delays in going in the right direction. The lack of communication became the main inconvenience and caused the team to have difficulties. I believe that, if one is traveling with the right group, then a paper map can help to save time and to find the best alternatives for travel. From listening to the GPS group, I realized that the use of a paper map can save on various errors or misinterpretations. From reading the paper map, I am now not comfortable with the idea of only being given a direction from point A to point B without seeing alternative routes or options. This could lead to easily getting lost and not being able to retrace steps or move into the right direction. If the GPS system falters, then there could also be problems with getting to the destined areas. If one is dependent on this for going into an unknown place, it can lead to hazards and problems, specifically because it is an automated system that doesn’t give options other than the main route. However, there were times which I believed that GPS would have substituted for the misinterpretations and lack of communication in the group because the choices wouldn’t have been there. I believe that if anyone is traveling or needs a sense of direction, they should use both tools. The automated system can help with the smaller locations, such as the GPS or the Twitter. However, reading a map can provide a big picture and help to save time as well as to retrace steps and to find alternative locations. The use of technology provides more options not only with automation but also with getting the right approaches to moving into various locations. However, becoming independent on this, as well as a map which may not be effective, can easily lead to difficulties. To overcome this, an individual or group can use both to understand alternative routes, locations and the means that are needed to get through an unknown location. Read More