Way, way, way, way, way before the days of the Global Positioning System, people had to navigate using devices like the Plus Fours Routefinder, shown above. It’s from back in 1920 and consisted of a collection of small scrolling maps that you’d “load” into the watch-like device before your trip. As you progressed along your route, you’d scroll the map forward to reveal your next turn, mileage, and where to stop.
Alas, it was ahead of its time and “never really took off,” according to Ananova, since there weren’t very many cars on the road back in 1920 (the device was for UK drivers). Call it an “early” early adopter device. It’s now on display in London’s British Library.
[via Newlaunches]
A similar device, called a roadbook, is still in use. Examples are show here. http://www.touratech-usa.com/shop/search.lasso?SearchTerm=roadbook&=Search
Touratech is a supplier of adventure motorcycle touring equipment.
Arg. Previous poster beat me to it. I’ve seen these used int he Dakar Rally, where GPS navigation is only allowed in certain areas.
Can anyone say “Steam Punk?”
Wow, thats hella old school! Predecessor to gps!
Definately steampunk, but could fit just as nicely in the dieselpunk genre.
Uh-Oh Hot Dog!
That’s pretty ingenious if you stop to think about it.
Who needs SATnav? Lol that’s ace!
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