Originally Posted by
chefisaac
Would you say an online map, or maps that can be used offline but still with a computer are as good as paper maps?
I'll start by saying I too favor paper maps. I find it easier to plan routes on a good paper map. I use GPS mainly for distance/speed info, and for putting me back on paper map if I don't know where I am.
With a good electronic base map and a reasonable user interface, route planning on computer screen should be fun. Think about all the things you could do that you cannot do on paper (zooming, instant distance calculations, street views etc - think Google). But in my neck of woods, online maps, especially Google, are not very good for cycling purposes. If I could have Google's interface on top of better electronic map data, I'd give it a go. GPS units have better quality maps (I use bundled maps that came with my old Magellan Meridian GPS) but they are expensive compared to proper paper maps. I've never tried open source maps, so don't know how good they are at this point.
--J