Shropshire Woman

When he shows a hint of “doing his own thing” or “going his own way” she meekly accepts his actions with a gentle and soothing assurance that she is “recalculating”. No wonder men love their SatNav systems. They are assertive without being bossy, they tell him what to do and how to get to places (and we all know men NEVER look at maps and never ask for directions), they fulfil all the wizardry-gadgetry that men love and, most importantly, when the dulcet tones start getting on his nerves, he can turn her onto mute.

I can accept that at certain times, this little gadget can prove a useful tool. It is certainly a less dangerous option than navigating one’s way through unknown territory with a map perched perilously on lap with the light on whilst driving. But really, does my husband need the new gadget to navigate his way around a well trodden and familiar route – say - from place of work, to child’s school, to home and back again. Mankind has managed to get around – without too many mishaps – for thousands of years, initially using the sun, familiar landmarks such as the pub, and well presented well researched, and accurate, maps.

I love maps, so this probably fuels my dislike of SatNav dependency syndrome. I see the arrival of these gadgets, not just as a dumbing down exercise as people are spoon fed directions by a smooth talker, but also as the death knell for good old conventional maps, and that great skill of map reading. Maps give us a sense of relativity, an experience of spatial awareness and allow us to sometimes make interesting deviations from the route, which can in turn, lead to life-changing discoveries.

when the dulcet tones start getting on his nerves, he can turn her onto mute

I cite one friend who, finding herself in unfamiliar territory on a visit to Shropshire looked at the map and was so intrigued by the name “Wigwig”, felt she must make the detour – fell in love with the place and now lives very happily there.

There is something of the lemming about mindlessly following the SatNav directions. Look at all the cars in recent years which have tried to cross the River Severn at Hampton Loade, because they have been sent there by Ms Garmin, TomTom et al. What the map would have told them is that this crossing is, in fact, only a foot ferry. And a foot ferry that does not operate at all times. However, it’s a picturesque spot to sit and contemplate that thanks to this hapless detour at the hands of a gadget, maybe, just maybe, its time to start making some decisions for oneself.

Sally Themans