I travelling without a map or orientation without map a good skill for a geographer?

Question

I AM A GEOGRAPHER AND I THINK I GOT THE "WORLD MAP"IN MY MIND

I DON'T NEED A GPS

Answer 1

Yes it is. But still travelling without a map as you have it in mind is not to say you have substituted GPS.

You may have the world map in your mind . But not all places inside. If I give you some hints of the satellite code and address  (only hints insufficient without gps) of my place can the map in your mind show you the span the satellite covers and hence the way to my place. GPS helps in navigation using satellite spans and is not about locating places on a map of the world.You may be a good geographer , like me for instance, with the world map in your mind but that sadly does not substitute GPS.

May be you don't need GPS. Many people don't. But that's not because they are good geographers.

Answer 2

A very good skill to develop.  Only a couple of the geologists I've known had an infallable natural sense of direction. I and others had to work at it (like everything else, practice makes perfect).  Developing a 'feel' for the land will be much more useful in many cases than using a GPS.  Try using one (or even a map) in criss-cross canyon country!  You are odds on to pick the wriong route, if you over-depend on devices, rather than develop your skills.