As technology has become smaller, lighter, and more reliable for a decade or more, it has become increasingly possible to use GPSs, sat nav, mobile phones and the like for navigation. While these and other gadgets work very well, there are shortcomings. A paper map gives good perspective of surrounding places, does not need a battery or a satellite, and is fast to read.

Paper map sales have been dropping for a while, and it has become marginal to produce some maps. GA is no exception. With no significant updates made to the GA topographic maps for some time, GA recently completed a review of its map distribution services. Due to this review, GA will cease sales and distribution of hard copy map products on Friday 13 December 2019. The distribution of its existing map library will be online.

GA advises that they will make their “topographic and general reference maps available for free digital download, and we have recently made improvements to our website to make these digital maps easier to discover and more readily accessible.”