#44: Reading a Map

If you ask a kid or teenager to read a map, they will probably give you a blank stare. Why would they ever need to read a physical map when they have their phones? We’re not trying to shame young people here. There’s no day-to-day reason for most of us to read physical maps these days. Why would kids learn that skill?

Most of us depend so fully on our phone’s GPS that we don’t even think twice about reading a map. That would just take too long! The inability to read a map isn’t just among younger generations. We’re sure plenty of older adults would be confused by all the squiggles and lines on a physical map, too. Most of us are out of practice.