I wonder if the cyclist studied a map (or guide book) before setting  
off on her ride? Or at least had spoken to someone about the  
particular journey? Surely you wouldn't think you could put someone  
down in a foreign setting and tell them to go to the next village  
120km up the road and expect them to go easily.

My wife and I traveled across Europe. We certainly didn't need a map  
to go from one city to the next - the signs in the train stations  
provided that information. But for us to go from Prague to Istanbul  
and then back to London through Greece took a lot of planning, and  
use of maps, train schedules and all sorts of resources.

However - to support your point. I also participate in a sport called  
Orienteering. We use maps to find our way on an unknown course  
through the woods. We also carry a compass. First-time runners  
typically spend time using their compass. Experienced runners never  
look at their compass unless they get disoriented. You just don't  
need the compass - the map does all the work. The compass complicates  
things and takes too much time. It's too much information.

Most of the time we don't need a map when following roads. The road,  
the signs, the setting, all provide clues to help us navigate.

Regards,
Bill

    --------------------------------------------------------------
    Tip of the Day: Use the archives to research common questions
     CHI-WEB: www.sigchi.org/web POSTINGS: mailto:[log in to unmask]
              MODERATORS: mailto:[log in to unmask]
       SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES & FAQ:  www.sigchi.org/web/faq.html
    --------------------------------------------------------------