Despite the enormous popularity of navigational systems, the good old paper map hasn’t been made obsolete just yet. Even more: the company CosmicNavigation, creators of the RoadNavigator, are now releasing their own road maps onto the market, as a supplement to their car navigation system.Supplement
Does this mean the ordinary road map remains indispensable for good orientation by the motorist? Prof. Mr. Gregor van der Burght, senior teacher at the Free University of Amsterdam thinks it is: “A GPS navigational system will get you from A to B, but that’s about it. You have no idea of where you are exactly, or what the surroundings are. A good map does provide this information. Navigational systems and road maps are not each others competitors, they are complementary to each other.”President Jochem Kentgens of CosmicNavigation agrees with this opinion: “As a specialist in navigational systems, we also know the limitations of these products. People want to know where they are, and feel independent. A navigational system is limited to providing the quickest route from A to B. A paper map provides orientation as well as a feeling of independence to the people.”
On the road
The company EuroCartografie also still believes in the trusted old paper map, because they too are releasing a completely new series of paper maps, complementary to their route planner website onderweg.nl. According to the company, these new maps excel at ease of usage because of their special way of folding, index and detail.The maps are distributed at petrol stations by Newco Europe. Prices range from ¤ 3.95 to ¤ 8.95.
