Best way to learn a street map?

Answer 1

Maps are a lot more fun when you start with good ones. Map books, GPS and Internet maps are not "good ones".

Good maps show what you want. And maps vary a lot, so don't be bashful about unfolding a few before you buy. You might also look into AAA membership; they give unlimited free maps, and I think they are quite good.

Good maps fold or roll out, so they can show you a lot of area in fairly good resolution. You can see what you need without switching maps. Having both "big picture" and detail helps your brain "get it".

Now let's talk about BAD maps, maps that are miserable to learn on. They are useful references for people who already know maps, but don't touch these until you feel really good with real maps :)

- Spiral bound map books. Handy to fit in your lap, but terrible to find anything. Every page is an extreme-close-up view. It's very difficult to work out a route using one of these books, because you can't see the big picture. They're OK if you already know your area by heart. Unfortunately, some industries (real estate) depend utterly on these books :(

- Maps on the Web. Simply put, your screen just doesn't have enough resolution to show both the big picture and the details. Zooming helps a bit, but still. On the upside, you can zoom infinitely, so you can REALLY get the big picture! Sat maps are cool too.

- GPS in your car. No, no, no! Map illiteracy is all you'll get from one, because you mindlessly follow its directions without ever really knowing the geography. They distract you from your driving, and give thieves something to steal. If the device fails or loses signal... you are totally screwed.

These things are OK once you've mastered the territory, but for various reasons they are impediments to learning... things like this are why so many people are map illiterate.

Answer 2

Drive the streets and memorize them while looking at the map. Keep your eyes on the road while you're doing this!!! Be safe.

Answer 3

drive them if you get lost you will learn pretty fast.
there is no easy way if driveing alot buy a garin gps unit this will give you turn by turn directions for about $500 sounds high but its not if you have ever been looking for one of your jobs that your company has to do and end up in the ghetto at 2 am thats is not a good place to be at 2am with all your stuff from your bussiness.

Answer 4

Know your co ordinates. And look at the street signs to check if they co respond with map, and... I could go on, but you get the gist of it.

Answer 5

if you can learn which way is north nomatter where you are then maps are a doddle

Answer 6

depends
vilage walk
town drive
london forget it
or get a tom tom

Answer 7

By walking it and remembering landmarks to orientate yourself.

Answer 8

sat nav