Why is a map considered an essential tool in navigation?

A map is considered an essential tool in navigation primarily because it provides accurate distances, locations, and terrain features. This information is crucial for anyone navigating, as it allows a person to understand their surroundings, plan their route effectively, and estimate travel times. Maps often include detailed features such as elevation changes, water bodies, and other significant landmarks, which help navigators make informed decisions about the best paths to take.

While maps can indeed simplify navigation and contribute to safety, they are most valuable for their comprehensive representation of the environment, enabling users to visualize their positioning in relation to various physical characteristics of the land. Without such precise details, the effectiveness of navigation would be significantly hindered, making accurate mapping indispensable.