I have to stongly disagree on this one Jim. I've learned to see the contours on a map better than a picture could hope to present them. Granted, I've used them for many years as a forward observer and supporting arms coordinator in the Marine Corps, as well as using those same contours when travelling in the snow-covered mountains while a NOLS instructor. But to me, the map is generally more convenient than GPS.

As for reliability, I've dealt with GPS failures on a handful of occasions, either because we were in areas where GPS satellites were not readily accessible like northern Norway, in deep valleys (Absaroka range), or due to heavy tree cover (southeastern Tennessee). GPS is generally reliable, but beyond losing a map, the map has never failed me.

Those GPS guided systems? They're all high in the sky with NO intervening terrain or canopy to disrupt them. For ground dwellers, there really is a "what it?" factor.

I believe if hikers learned map reading BEFORE using GPS (and resorting to cell phones), "disaster" experiences would be fewer. But it has also been my experience that those who first learn to use GPS NEVER really learn to read a map.