This is why I like using a Sat Nav system. The maps are always uptodate, the system speaks to you so you can focus on looking at the road, and you can program in your destination and get the best route to take instead of having to guess.
We find it doesn't really matter where we are the system is always able to provide a route that works for us, and saves us time over trying to sit with a pen or pencil and try to plot our route by hand. It doesn't matter how good a road map is, it will alway miss some important detail like the actual number of side streets, or major landmarks that you should be looking for to guide you on your way.
Here's how they work, a GPS system isn't just a screen with a map on it. They communicate directly with a satellite to get their exact position down to just a few feet on the planet, then the mapping software in the device actually calculates how far you've come, how far you still have to go, and compares your current position with the map in it's memory, and checks to make sure you're still going in the correct direction.
It's very sophisticated the way they work and are nearly infallible, the only reason a problem could occur is if you've given it the wrong destination coordinates or roadworks are happening that aren't listed on the map.
I wouldn't do without a GPS system anymore, price wise they're very affordable, and not having to turn pages or flip a map around to see where you are is a big advantage.
