Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The map and atlas are easy to use and are relatively inexpensive when compared to an electronic GPS device. Maps and atlases can be found at most gas stations or libraries or rest stops along most interstates. The user of a map or atlas can simply take a pen or highlighter and mark down the entire trip from beginning to end. There are detailed illustrations of the route a traveler is planning on taking and a key at the bottom that shows you exactly how to figure out how many inches equals a mile so you can have an idea of where you are at all times.
The main drawback of using a map or an atlas is that not everyone is proficient at reading one. The other main draw back is that maps and atlases do not automatically update. If there is construction along a route you've planned, you'll have to plan your route around the construction and could potentially lose your way altogether.
Mapquest, Yahoo! Maps and Google Maps offer the ability for route planners to enter their origination point, as well as their destination point and get either a map view of their route or turn-by-turn instructions on how they should reach their destination, as well as how long that trip should take. Since their launches, these sites have also added the ability to add stops along their routes, making it easier and quicker to plan a particular trip as the user no longer has to start the process over every time she wants to take a detour, or a side trip.
The drawback of the online mapping software is that once you have printed out the route that the website has created, you are at the mercy of that software. While they do update their routes when construction is made available to them, it is not always reported and can create confusion especially when using only the turn-by-turn directions. These websites are all free to use, so there is no additional cost involved in using these tools.
GPS stands for Global Positioning System and works with satellites orbiting the earth to pinpoint where the traveler and his GPS device is located, where he is going and how long it will take to get there. Garmin and Tom Tom are the leaders in the GPS turn-by-turn industry but there are other companies including Magellan, DeLorme and Motorola that have broken into the route planning business using a GPS device. These devices range in size and portability and also range in price from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple thousand.
Most of the devices operate with a touch screen that can either be used to enter a specific address or to do a search for a "place of interest" such as where the nearest supermarket or restaurant is located. The advantage over maps or directions printed off a website is that with these devices the directions update automatically as you're on the move. Most of the GPS devices that are geared for use in the car also come with a "detour" button that can be used should you want to avoid a certain area due to construction or some other obstacle.