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How does GPS affect brains?

While GPS is convenient, relying on it too much can make our brains work less hard. Using paper maps, as mentioned in the story, encourages us to actively plan routes and visualise space, which strengthens parts of the brain involved in navigation and spatial reasoning. GPS essentially does that work for us.

Stories that explain this

Paper maps outsell GPS, even tripling demand in some cities

Questions this opens up

Does GPS shrink your brain? What is spatial awareness? Can I improve my navigation skills?

Related explainers

Is GPS always accurate? Can GPS be jammed? How does GPS jamming work? Who uses GPS jammers? How accurate are OS maps? How does active learning help? Benefits of 'old school' maps What is cognitive mapping?

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