Road Maps

When I was a boy I loved to study maps. Old maps, local maps, interstate maps, the spinning Replogle globe that sat in the middle of a family room coffee table, and especially the big blue hardcover book of world maps published by National Geographic. After I learned to drive in the mid-1970s, I used Rand McNally's Road Atlas to plan my travels throughout New England. What remained elusive were directions to "last mile" destinations like museums, parks, stores, and private homes. Getting to these places often required stops at the gas station to get turn-by-turn directions.

This 1940 film, Caught Mapping, from General Motors' Chevrolet division, tells the story behind map making.

"Presto! And right at their fingertips, the modern motorist can have an information bureau for any road they may wish to take."



GPS technology has changed the game through onboard GPS maps with audio cues in our vehicles and Google Maps on smartphones. It's certainly easier and safer, but learning to read and use a roadmap is now a lost skill that engaged both driver and navigator, and taught us to be more mindful while driving and aware of our surroundings.