What is a map?

Our friends at Wikipedia define a map as “a visual representation of an area—a symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that space such as objects, regions, and themes.” Whatever… I think we all know what a map is, and all travelers should appreciate the detailed work of those unnamed cartographers. 

Kinds of maps

Road maps are the most common maps today, but there are maps for navigational (air and sea), hiking and bicycling maps, railroad network maps, and municipal surveys, carried out by municipalities, utilities, tax assessors, emergency services providers, and other local agencies. But a map can be any document giving information as to where or what something is.
 

What makes a good map?

For a successful road trip, there are five essentials of a good map.

1. Accuracy: No use having a sloppy map that only approximates routes and locations, not when you’re depending on it to show you the way. Try to find maps that include highway exits, and distances between stops. Enlargements of metropolitan areas is also a big help.

2. Readability: Especially if you’re travelling alone (and are reaching that age when arm’s length is the best place for viewing things), you want a map you can read without squinting. Better to pull over at a safe spot than be driving while engrossed in a map. Fortunately some atlas companies are now producing large print editions—not everything is large print, but at least the main places.

3. Portability: Have you ever tried to use a map that is slightly larger than the interior of your car? Constant folding and refolding to access the area you need is constant frustration. But so is a travel atlas where everywhere you want to go seems lost in the fold!

4. Durability: Ever have a map that ends in strips before the journey’s over? All that folding and refolding can wreak havoc. There are some laminated models that work well (if you don’t mind the cost and can avoid the glare). But if you’re going on a long trip, you might want to bring a spare, if you’re using paper maps.

5. Comprehensiveness: A useful map needs three things: it tells you where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there. What good is a map of North Carolina if you’re travelling in Saskatchewan? The sponsors of this site highly recommend the Bible as the ultimate map for the road trip of life. If you don’t know where you’re going on life’s final trip, check out the following statements from God’s Word.

Read on to hear about "FINDING OUR WAY"