There are several things I like about physical maps
- The ability to see a area much larger than the one your prime interest lies.
The element of pre-planningThe skill in using a mapThe sheer delight in discovering something interesting, following the trail and discovering something that wasn't marked on the mapGPS devices take a huge amount of that away from you.
The question I have with data visualisation is whether they can take things too far? Isn't one of the most rewarding things following a line of thought and discovering something new? Would you be more convinced by a visualisation that gave you a high percentage of what you were looking for but, through your own efforts, you made the final discovery?
If you spoon feed someone the final answer do they gain understanding and do they buy in to the answer?
Perhaps it is a valuable skill to be capable of putting together a visualisation that leads towards a conclusion but maintains the polite fiction that the conclusion was anything other than inevitable?
I have found that younger generations who have never used a physical map and have only used GPS devices do not seem to learn the roads as well. I don't mean the familiarity of how to drive them but the knowledge of the routes between places. They, generally, follow the SatNav without thought or deviation. To do so would be unthinkable.
Because of that they tend to be at a disadvantage when their SatNav device fails as they have not learnt the skills of reading street signs for directions to the same level nor do they usually have the confidence to try a route.
These are terrible generalisations but my experience validates this (even considering nearest and dearest so I am not being disparaging - at least not intentionally so). Basically, it is an example of the overreliance on technology by some.
Gaz
-- Stop your grinnin' and drop your linen...they're everywhere!!!