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author

Agreed Anshul, I use it even locally for places I want to visit. Lots of plans have been made thanks to those map apps!

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Feb 21Liked by Jayshree Gururaj, Louis Siering IV

So much technology... so interesting. I’m a senior solo traveler and pretty much have it planned before I head out. Road trips or flights...I “overlook” areas on several phone apps. Only time I used a live street view was walking streets of NYC the crowds and every corner looking like Times Square... I felt myself becoming dependent on that arrow guiding me along. I did not like that feeling....what does that mean? Losing my confidence? Asking strangers if I’m heading to Empire State, or if back roads/blue highways will get me where I’m going works too. I’m glad to learn a few more ways and apps here... Waze I can use.. but I like depending on myself and landmarks 😄😅Thank you for this fascinating article, so well and clearly written for even old school me to follow! 😊❤️

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author

great share, Joan, thank you! the arrow comment was funny!

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Feb 21Liked by Jayshree Gururaj, Louis Siering IV

😂😄It felt weird following it on my phone while zig zagging through the crowded sidewalks...and me saying excuse me to everyone! 😁

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author

Hey Joan, not sure if you have earbuds, but if there’s a specific place you want to visit, you just need to set it as “walking” and Apple or Google Maps will do walking directions for you turn by turn so you don’t have to stare at a screen and try to keep up with everyone at the same time! You can also “drop a pin” on the map to a specific place you want to just walk to.

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Feb 22Liked by Jayshree Gururaj, Louis Siering IV

That's what I did, Louis; listened, saw the destination marker ...but arrow was still moving. As for keeping up with everyone...it's pretty much how walking NY streets are, folks walking fast and purposefully. I stepped it up to keep with the flow! 😂Thanks for clarifying for me...appreciate it!

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Feb 21·edited Feb 21Author

lol! Also, I updated the post with another snippet and images from Louis for city walking. Please check out 'Yelp" section before the 'Final Thoughts' section.

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Feb 21Liked by Jayshree Gururaj, Louis Siering IV

Will do! Thanks Jayshree!

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Feb 21Liked by Jayshree Gururaj, Louis Siering IV

The integration of technology into navigation has undoubtedly transformed the way we explore and navigate our surroundings.

With the advent of GPS-enabled devices and advanced mapping applications, the once daunting task of finding directions has become effortless and efficient. Whether it's planning a road trip or simply locating a nearby restaurant, technology has empowered us with the tools to navigate with ease, ultimately enhancing our daily lives by saving time and reducing stress.

Well researched and written post. Keep 'em coming!

As we continue to embrace these advancements, it's evident that technology has truly revolutionized the navigation experience, making it more convenient and enjoyable than ever before.

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author

Thanks Anshul, for sharing your feedback on the post.

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Feb 29·edited Feb 29Liked by Louis Siering IV

If you're a hiker / backpacker / backcountry explorer, the USGS Topo series is also available online at https://apps.nationalmap.gov/viewer/ .

And, the US Forest Service has taken the old 1950s version of these and added their layers to them here:

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html <-- only for lands owned by USFS

They have the Forest Service's official roads, trails and campgrounds layered onto the topo maps. The latter are also geotagged, which means that if you have the right phone app (I use Avenza but there are others) you can download these Forest Service maps to your phone, then use the app to view them, and your phone's GPS will show your exact location on the map! Once you've downloaded the topo map, no cellular service required. It works where there is no service.

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author

Good point about downloading maps!

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Mar 1Liked by Louis Siering IV

Thanks. I hesitated to post it, because it seemed that most of your readers never venture into the wilderness!

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author

Haha, well that’s what it’s all about! I like getting the different perspectives on the posts.

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