)( MAPS Since the earliest recorded times, man has been making
maps. At flrst I suspect, they were "Here is the cave, follow
the creek down to three big rocks in the water, turn your back
on the rocks and walk straight ahead to the berry bushes." That
evolved into "Here lie draagons" .
Mankind, being the most curious of creatures, has always wanted
to know what is over the next rise. Sometimes no maps were made
as the finder wanted to keep it secret. Sometimes it was just a
trail, deeply rutted into the prairie, that guided the
adventurer,
But as they went farther west in the US, they found trackless
desert and had to look for markers, and then made crude maps to
show the landmarks and the direction one lay in relation to the
other, as well as the distance between them.
Early sailing ships kept logs with compass directions and
elapsed times, wind and current information. This was a kind of
map to re- follow or for others to follow.
Imagine the amazement of even our grandparents, if they knew we
could turn on our computer and print off an accurate map of just
about anywhere! ! That our automobiles could tell us on their
computer screens where we are and what street to turn on in a
strange city. ...find addresses we are looking for. tell us how
long it should take us and how many miles!
Now a company is beginning to market a device to wear as a
bracelet or necklace that can pinpoint our whereabouts within a
few feet. This is just beginning, but I'm sure will soon be
commonplace, maybe even implanted in an Alzheimer patient that
wanders or a child. Just look at the number of lost or stolen
children every year! This could stop this cold. And yet, the
police need a map to follow to get there, OR the newest map, a
homing device to lock onto the device on the person . There are
many people who collect maps and enjoy mentally following them.
We are using the Rubble Telescope to map the stars. And yet, we
are still the same people looking for berry patches ! BEV
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