Technology today is growing at an expedited rate. It seems as if every day something new is discovered that will make our lives easier and faster. From cell phones that can dial, text and set appointments for you, from the ability to see the other side of the world from the comfort of your own home, technology is making the impossible possible.
However, with all these technological steps forward, one has to ask if we are also taking steps back? With technology doing so many things for us, are we forgetting basic skills that have been around for hundreds of years? For example, schools today are finding that students are having trouble with correct spelling and punctuation because of the growing trend of texting. There are many other skills that are vanishing, being replaced by the ease of technology. One evaporating skill that is greatly missed, especially in the transportation industry, is the ability to read a map.
In the transportation industry the ability to read a map is vital. A GPS system can only get you so far. True, there are navigation systems designed specifically for truckers, but you still need to have a map. Not being able to read a map while having a truck driving job can be catastrophic and include instances such as running into low bridges, getting stuck in dead end roads and simply getting lost.
One thing you need to remember when driving a truck is that it is different from driving a car and your regular GPS system is programmed for a car. If you are using it solely, without a map, you may find yourself on a road that you are not supposed to be on, and one you can’t turn around on.
The thought of reading a map may sound daunting. Certainly there are a lot of symbols, roadways, and labels on a map that make it look difficult. But reading a map is not really as hard as it looks. All maps will have legends which explain what the symbols mean along with a scale to help you determine the distance on the map compared to the actual distance.
When selecting a map, keep in mind that there are different kinds of maps and not all of them will work for you. The kind of map most often used in the transportation industry is a road map. Most road maps will show the major roadways and will help you get to a basic point.
When getting started on a journey with your map, there are a few items you will need. The first is a compass. Your map should have something called a compass rose on it (usually located at the bottom corner) that will tell you which direction the map needs to be turned so you aren’t reading it upside down. You will need the compass to know which way you are facing.
Next you will need a pencil and some paper. The one of the most basic rules to planning a trip is to make sure you know where you are going. Plot your route out before hand and write it down. Most of your destinations will have a number you can call to get directions. Write the directions down. Once you have the directions, go to your map and find out how to get there.
If you have a map specifically for motor carriers, there is usually a list of roads that have weight limitations, low clearances, and other restrictions. Be aware of these roads, because if you end up on one of them you could face consequences such as heavy fines and even injury.
Keep in mind that most state maps won’t have every little road on them, which is why it is a good idea to call ahead and get specific directions. Once you have your route planned, mark it with the pencil so you don’t forget it. If you are unable to mark the map, write your plans down on a separate sheet of paper.
Knowing how to read a map is vital in the trucking industry. Technology can only get you so far before you have to know how to do something on your own. If you have a truck driving job, life is a lot easier if you have the simple skill of reading a map. If you don’t know how to read a map, pull one out and start learning.
GPS systems are a wonderful technology, and with a truck driving job it can certainly make finding your way a bit easier. But you do still need to have the basic skills of being able to plan ahead and read a map. Technology is fun, but it can’t replace good old common sense.
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