Do you even remember what it was like trying to find your way around a foreign city before google maps? They mapped the world and provided it as a service for free.
I remember. You had to plan in advance and communicate with others.
There were other mapping services too. Google also didn't start from blank map, they bought data from Navteq/TeleAtlas.
I do. I remember adding a lot of buffer time just in case I wouldn't be able to find my way. It is much more convenient now with G-Maps and other providers. I also remember how expensive the maps for the early navigation systems were and how bad they were.
you stopped at a gas station and bought a mapsco.
Paper maps were often only marginally useful due to lack of proper street signs or building numbers, especially at night or in bad weather.