Silent Cartographer

By: Bryan Taningco

Today, Traveling and navigating has been relatively easy due the advantages brought about by technology. From the emergence of Global Positioning Systems (GPSs) built in to most of the modern day cars to the popular “Google Street View” which allows for real time street surveillance; Acquiring and following directions has never been easier. Which leads me to question the existence of traditional maps, Are they, as we have been seeing today; rendered obsolete? Should we replace them entirely with electronic devices that rely on batteries and satellite signals? Are they only to be reveled today as museum pieces fit only for display?

Flashback to the year 1500, traveling and navigating are the deeds only of the brave and adventurous. Setting out on a voyage or journey is perilous without the knowledge of directions and survival. Thus, there were a group of men who accompanied brave travelers and sketch the lays of the land for those who would wish to follow. These men took into account every detail they passed by such as rivers, hills and mountains; sculpting the shape of the land through the use of ink and paper. These men were known as the “Cartographers”, scholars of the land; their works were known as the maps we see today. You see, back in the days when electronics doesn’t exist; maps were the only reference for directions, there are no devices telling where and when you are to turn or inform you of your distance with your destination. Just sketches of landmarks and shapes coupled with the wits to interpret and follow them.

Why am I discussing this? Because when the most unfortunate time for traveling comes, where batteries failed to last and satellites fails to transmit their signals. You better know how to navigate the land with just a map at hand. We cannot solely rely on technology to light our path and give us directions, we must find them ourselves. Just as the Cartographers of the old days.

'Who would you follow?'