3 ms·
And how does GPS make that possible when things like maps have worked in the past? It just makes it easier.
by giantg2 3y ago
And how does GPS make that possible when things like maps have worked in the past? It just makes it easier.
- nine_k 3y agoNot just easier, but faster. Have you tried moving through a desert or a steppe in the dead of night, far from human infrastructure? It's damn dark, the land is literally darker than the star-strewn sky. Headlights give you only so much light, for the next 100-150m of the road maximum. Unless it's a really nice, well-maintained road, with reflector posts, etc (and usually it's not), it's really easy to lose your way if you drive a tad too fast. You either crawl, or choose to camp and wait until the morning light. With a GPS map, you can proceed much more confidently. And a few hours may play a serious role in disaster relief.
- giantg2 3y agoI'd say cars or helicopters are what makes it faster. Even in land vehicles you can use time/speed/direction navigation.
- kevin_thibedeau 3y agoA GPS can guide you to a pinpoint in a featureless landscape where there is nothing to follow on a map.
- giantg2 3y agoSo too can the stars, or proper time/speed/direction navigation. I'm not saying GPS isn't useful. I'm saying it hasn't had a life changing impact for the masses that allows for a larger population (eg it's not providing more food, shelter, etc).
- kevin_thibedeau 3y agoYou need to medevac a hiker in a remote valley now and your plan is to wait until nightfall and have someone try to navigate by sextant?