Map-reading is becoming history

Map-reading is becoming history

Map-reading has been around for about 6,000 years, just a small fraction of the time that humans have been on this earth, but its effects have been enormous. Map-reading doesn't come naturally to us; (9) ________ seeing and hearing, it must be taught. However, (10) ________ that satellite apps have entered our lives, the need to read anything from paper is becoming redundant. Some geographers are therefore questioning why schools should teach traditional map-reading at (11) ________. It takes up a lot of teaching time that could otherwise be devoted (12) ________ navigation skills. But these experts admit that mapping (13) ________ indeed provide a context that is absent from digital routes. Many of us rebel (14) ________ the radical idea of abandoning maps on paper because we think that local character still appears clearly in printed maps. It lets spatial awareness develop and is regarded by many (15) ________ the mark of an educated traveller. So, are we really ready to enter a world (16) ________ the detailed craft of printed mapping might be about to disappear?