Maps: for the illiterate of you (Merriam- Webster’s 2nd definition specifically—: illiterate: showing or marked by a lack of acquaintance with the fundamentals of a particular field of knowledge). I’m confident that you, my reader, are an almost-daily user of a GPS, or its equivalent, in your vehicle. I want to acquaint you with a map.
Maps are more than position locators. Maps give perspective. For my purpose here, I refer to the Official Georgia State Map. This map not only shows the entire state, but also cities, towns, and tiny villages. Topography may be indicated on some maps but not on this particular Map. I love this particular map because it is a virtual library of Georgia information.
While the GPS gives you point-to-point direction, maps show you where you are. A while back the County changed my address. The GPS showed an old address. The map– just as old as that GPS—gave perspective and kept me from being lost–as in “Oh, so that’s where I need to go.”
I’m sometimes called “A Map Nerd.” I am. Knowing a map also gives social connection. I often ask someone new, “Did you grow up here?” They may say, “No. I grew up in Montrose, GA. I’m able to say, “Oh, that’s near Dublin, in Laurens County!” That introductory greeting leads to a friendly conversation. It’s even better when I respond like, “Oh, do you know Daniel Yoder?” and they follow with “Yes, we were on the Soccer team together.”
Reading and appreciating a map is an education on another level. Georgia is the largest state in land mass, east of the Mississippi River! Most people in Georgia move or have moved several times in their lifetime. Knowing the layout of the State, its cities, towns, and villages offers a ready reach for social acquaintance. When meeting someone new, you may not make instant connection but knowing something of their geographic location helps.
Oh. One other thing; the GPS won’t work when it cannot get a satellite signal. That happened to Jane and me near Lake Sinclair as we descended into those steep valleys. You can pick up a free copy of the current Georgia State Roadmap at any GDOT office, Georgia Welcome Center, or State Patrol Office. One other point; this map is huge, but sturdy. GPS offers route-value; maps offer many.
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2026
Thanks, Willis! The first thing that Orv taught me after we married, and on our way to Minnesota, was to read a map. I don’t think my dad ever used one, because I believe he knew most of our section of Florida like the back of his hand, having traveled many times, being an insurance salesman.
Since the invention of GPS gadgets, when we travel, We use MAPS and I have a roadmap on my lap, because I love looking on the map and finding where we are, rather than looking at the GPS.
Thanks Carole. During my time in S. Georgia I knew every town, village and the name of their host ounty. But after moving away, and not keeping in touch, that knowledbe is fading. When I can, I open up my GA State Roadmap, or if its out of date, pick up a new one, and work on refreshing my memoty. Georgia is a very interesting state—and roadways are constantly changing. As I said in the piece, sometimes the GPS gives a different (and wrong) direction to our house. Jane tells me that years ago, there WAS a road there to our house but was changed. The old road is grown over now. Of course, I know how to get home, but it is funny to be given the wrong direction if we leave the GPS running.
We want to see y’all now that we live closer. We’ll plan on it.