Between the folds: Why maps are awesome

By Bonnie Paine
KDOT Administration Specialist 

If you rely on your Google Maps, MapQuest, or other online mapping software to get you to your destination, then you’re probably in the majority.  However, as surprising at it may seem, there are still many, many of us who prefer a good ol’ paper map.  

Why do we like them, you ask, because we can fold it into whatever configuration we need to see where we’re going? Plus, the only misdirection I may encounter will be because of my own, or my navigator’s sense of direction.

While online directional software is convenient and offers a pleasantly stilted voice telling you when and where to turn, a paper map is often used by a friendly travelling partner and adds the “human element” of companionship missing in software.  It should be noted that both online and traditional paper map users can make errors in the directions provided.  

This should be taken in stride by the driver and handled in a calm, responsible manner. 

Drivers should either reprogram the instructions given to the software or take a look at the paper map for himself or herself.  However, all drivers should use caution to avoid being distracted by either studying the map or arguing with their navigator. 

So, let’s talk about paper maps -- my personal favorite.  One important aspect of my position with KDOT is to mail (snail mail) many thousands of paper maps.  They’re free of charge and may be obtained by going to either http://www.ksdot.org/maps.asp or calling 785-296-3640.  

So far this year, I've mailed out more than 28,000 maps to individuals, businesses and schools. 

A common misconception is that only “old folks” still use a paper map.  On the contrary, many, many schools use them to teach students, not only how to read a map, but to illustrate distances, points of interest, scenic roadways, and a multitude of other features found on paper maps.  And people of all ages – from both in-state and out-of-state -- request paper maps. 

Many hotels, chambers of commerce, visitor centers, tour groups and clubs keep supplies of Kansas maps. And get this, no internet is necessary to read a paper map. Plus, if you read them in daylight, you won’t need a battery-powered device to read it either.

Here are just a few of the comments I’ve heard from people requesting paper maps.

• I just love a map I can hold it and see what’s coming up down the road. Maybe I’ll decide to take a side-trip to check out something that looks interesting. Online mapping won’t give you that kind of friendly information.
• I’m fascinated by maps, in fact, I’d like to study cartography.
• I have great memories of my Dad teaching me how to use a map and follow our path as we vacationed when I was a kid. That’s probably why I still prefer a paper map.
• One of my best memories of elementary school was the fourth-grade lessons on Kansas when my teacher, Mrs. Adams, gave each of us our own map and we learned how to find all sorts of things.
• There is so much to see on a paper map that it makes traveling much more interesting.

No matter what you use to navigate the safest, most expeditious route, be sure to check

www.kandrive.org to learn what current road conditions and constructions projects may be occurring on the route you choose.