Read a Road Map Day

Read a Road Map Day is celebrated every year on April 5 in order to spend time on learning how to read a perfect route. If possible, one can also plan a short and instant trip while using these road maps, just like in ancient times.

History of Read a Road Map Day

Paper maps are somewhat outdated in this day and age, but this is exactly why Road Map Reading Day aims to raise awareness. There is a lot of history attached to the road map, from ancient Egypt to modern Europe.

The history of road maps goes back to 1160 BC in Egypt. The earliest recorded example of a road map shows dry river beds in a mining area of ​​Thebes. Years later, in AD 350, a Roman road network called Tabula Peutingeriana was established. It shows roads and trails running from North Africa and Europe to Western Asia. In modern times, 1904 was the launching time of Rand McNally's "New Motorway Map of New York City & Vicinity". As the name suggests, it outlines New York City's road structure and things to do the same.

Basically, a road map consists of travel routes and links leading and connecting to all major and minor points of a place. These types of maps also show political boundaries and any restrictions. In addition, the road map also supports finding the nearest car stops, gas stations and other means of transportation. Famous landmarks, tourist attractions, hotels, inns, etc. are also included. The types of content you will find on the map depend on the type of map you have on hand. For example, one-page and smaller road maps will outline all major and minor routes. Larger and foldable maps, on the other hand, show more details.

Paper road maps may be a thing of the past these days, but they still provide much-needed guidance, especially when technological devices are no longer in use, due to network problems or problems about battery. Paper road maps also allow us to examine the experiences of previous years, allowing us to immerse ourselves in nostalgia. While it is unclear who created Road Map Reading Day and/or when it was first celebrated, the day creates awareness of amazing human feats and progress.

Why National Road Map Reading Day?

The route is known to show all the boundaries of the countries along with all the different roads and paths. In addition, they also aim to provide important information about famous buildings, parks, beautiful tourist attractions, entertainment facilities, airports, restaurants and hotels, trains, metro stations, and more.

Road maps are fun to use and play with. On the other hand, they never let you down; even your cell phone battery may be dead, or your cell phone tends to not work when they are out of coverage area. This is where road maps shine the most. With the significant increase in the use of GPS navigation and other electronic maps in this day and age, printed maps have in fact shrunk, almost disappeared.

This day aims to challenge and test our skills related to road maps and trips.

Reasons for National Road Map Reading Day being loved

• It's a tribute to cutting-edge technologies

Today, our devices, although extremely compact, can hold a lot of essentials. Starting from alarm clocks to cameras, calculators to calendars and now detailed GPS maps of almost anywhere in the world. In the past, paper road maps could only provide so much regardless of their details. But now there is no place on Earth that is so foreign, thanks to GPS.

• It's a remembrance of the old craft

Being able to understand all the important details about a place and record them is an extremely difficult task. Cartographers did all this and more without the aid of any kind of machine or technology to help them do their job. Not to mention all the dangers (in terms of food/water scarcity, climate, unknown people, etc.)

• It's the memory of happy trips

We have come to appreciate and yearn for the great feeling of being able to take trips. Paper road maps, with all the lines and squiggles, instill a sense of wanderlust into the viewer's mind by inviting them on adventures.

How to celebrate National Road Map Reading Day

• Prepare a road map for beginning your trip

We always use GPS to move. It is easier to find a route with guiding your steering wheel through all customization options and GPS voice. However, sink into the nostalgia by traveling to your destination with just a paper road map with your friends. It will be interesting and you will appreciate even more the technologies of today.

• Planning a long road trip

You may already have ingrained daily routes in your brain, so finding a road map for these may not be necessary. Plan a road trip with your friends or loved ones to another city or country. Getting a paper road map helps to realize the magic that road maps have to offer!

• Learn about the history of road maps

There are several different types of road maps, some very specific and others more general in their content. However, each still holds important pieces of history and purpose. Learn and study the past of road maps. You will not only enhance your knowledge, but also admire the hard work and dedication of the cartographers.