This story is remarkable and deserves not to have been buried :(<p>"But recent studies have shown that people who use GPS, when given a pen and paper, draw less-precise maps of the areas they travel through and remember fewer details about the landmarks they pass; paradoxically, this seems to be because they make fewer mistakes getting to where they’re going. Being lost — assuming, of course, that you are eventually found — has one obvious benefit: the chance to learn about the wider world and reframe your perspective."
If you found this interesting and want a fascinating book on the subject I recommend We, the Navigators.<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/We-Navigators-Ancient-Landfinding-Pacific/dp/0824815823" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/We-Navigators-Ancient-Landfinding-Paci...</a>
It documents a study done of other Pacific Islanders who use waves to navigate. Hawaii was discovered because islanders observed swells from storms in the North Pacific being attenuated as the storm passed 'behind' the island chain.<p>Islanders also used a completely different form of celestial navigation that involved following series of stars as they rose and set on the horizon. I.e., follow Antares while it is < 10° over the horizon, then follow Pollox, etc until you reach Papeete.
When I moved to Southern California I had GPS nav in my car. Being new to the area I used it on every trip. After a year or so I realized I still had no idea how to get to anywhere.
For clarity to others before clicking: this is NOT about Pilot Wave theory. It is about seafaring pilots, so don't expect theoretical physics being discussed in the comments.
This is a fairly long article, and if you're inclined to start skimming part way through then you should make it a point to read the last two paragraphs in full.
> the most puzzling detail of Genz’s translation of Joel’s description was his claim that the di lep connected each atoll and island to all 33 others. That would yield a trillion trillion paths, far too many for even the most adept wave pilot to memorize.<p>I don't follow the math if there are 34 atolls, wouldn't there be just 527 paths between them?