Pros and cons of progress

The team at Southern Woodenboat Sailing reminds us about the pros and cons of progress:

“I am told there are people who do not care for maps, and I find it hard to believe.”- Robert Louis Stevenson

I love a physical map, especially if its a chart. With only six years left of paper chart production I’m starting to truly appreciate my collection. When we eventually go fully digital, its not the day to day navigational work that’s going to be missed. No one can really argue against the convenience and effectiveness of a zoomable, regularly updated, detailed world map in your palm. What we’ll miss, is the dreaming, the broad brush planning, the wider possibilities and course the tiny cryptic symbols, everyone with a meaning.