> put the map in overhead view, north up ... you build up a geospatial awareness Totally agree. I think the other thing that helps in an unfamiliar area is to

> put the map in overhead view, north up ... you build up a geospatial awareness Totally agree. I think the other thing that helps in an unfamiliar area is to pre-scout the route.. basically just look at the map around where you're going, while you're stopped. Honestly I don't always do this, but I should and it usually helps. > can usually tell when the GPS is getting stupid. The key to this is how you respond. I used to just decide to go the way I think makes more sense, then often find out there was a reason: a one-way or closed street, no left-hand turns intersection, only one on-ramp to the highway (in the opposite direction I'm trying to go), construction, etc, and then I'd have to loop around. Now I just become more vigilant. I always pay attention to the road names (and not just "take next left"), but I also really keep an eye out for extra signage (like signs showing the route to get to a highway) or closures. One of the problems with current GPS tech and the maps is they're really damn good -- but still not perfect. The fact they work so well most of the time makes people complacent.