Saturday, August 23, 2014

Technology Enables Exploration


Today, while traveling to Louisville to complete our MBA Capstone presentation, my colleague and I encountered a parking lot on the interstate; traffic was backed up as far as the eye could see.  Immediately, we decided to exit and take our chances on the back roads.  This adventure was completely dependent upon the advanced technology available through our cell phones.


 In 1996, I utilized my first GPS mapping system.  It included a wired sensor that I placed on top of the vehicle and the use of a very large laptop. It was intermittent at best and simply showed my route.  Modern GPS applications, common in all smart phones, provide search capabilities, multiple route selection and time to destination. 


Mobile mapping applications allow young and old to explore areas beyond the well-traveled interstate.  If embraced, I believe this is a throwback to a bye gone era, allowing exploration of the heartland.  This morning, we observed some beautiful topography and rich flora.  The winding roads and rich texture of Americana is best witnessed first-hand and technology provides a means of exploration without cumbersome and often confusing paper maps.  Through the use of technology, young and old alike can discover hidden gems in neighboring communities, bring variation to their commute or simply choose to take a different path.

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