In conversation with a letter writer this week about changes to tried and true certifications at the Registry office we strayed off topic to the use of GPS (global positioning systems) and how that use in personal vehicles could lead to tunnel vision.
It was somewhat ironic to learn a day or two later of a Swedish couple travelling in Europe who travelled 400 miles off course. They had typed in the wrong name for a small town in Italy and found themselves out of their way.
While technology is great, very few items are foolproof, particularly if a driver happens to misspell the destination and doesn’t catch it in time.
Apart from that obvious problem, we also fear the use of such systems is allowing people to lose any appreciation they might have for geography gained by reading maps.
The issue compares with the same trouble we see regularly, where cashiers have trouble making change. Before the fancy machines we have now, a checkout clerk would be able to think out loud and figure out what change to give.
Today’s registers automatically process tender received and tell the clerk what to give back. It is those odd occasions when the power is out that this skill we seem to be losing really stands out. Those of us that add coins with our bills to cut down on the jingle in the pockets throw a real curve ball at clerks, particularly if it is a last minute offer of coinage, after the register has calculated the change.
As for appreciating geography and our concern that we are losing another skill, most drivers now rely on GPS to get from point A to point B. We appreciate its convenience and certainly find it handy, but, there is merit in getting out the old road map and noting the towns and communities along the way.
It seems to us in the pursuit of the easiest way to do things we grow increasingly unfamiliar with what’s around us. Sure GPS will indicate gas and restaurants along the way when requested, but the interests that each of us have are not yet accounted for.
How about a river that bears the same name as a friend’s surname, or maybe that little village you heard about having the best craft stores.
Often people will ask where you went for holidays or what direction. Depending on the size of the place it’s always easier to say 15 minutes south of Sudbury for example. Slowly but surely, the sense of direction we now take for granted, will diminish.
Holidays or Sunday drives should be an adventure, rather than simply a task to perform in the shortest amount of time. Technology is great, but the old-fashioned skills will ensure tunnel vision is kept in check.
