&gt; put the map in overhead view, north up ... you build up a geospatial awareness<p>Totally agree.<p>I think the other thing that helps in an unfamiliar area is to pre-scout the route.. basically just look at the map around where you&#x27;re going, while you&#x27;re stopped. Honestly I don&#x27;t always do this, but I should and it usually helps.<p>&gt; can usually tell when the GPS is getting stupid.<p>The key to this is how you respond.<p>I used to just decide to go the way I think makes more sense, then often find out there was a reason: a one-way or closed street, no left-hand turns intersection, only one on-ramp to the highway (in the opposite direction I&#x27;m trying to go), construction, etc, and then I&#x27;d have to loop around.<p>Now I just become more vigilant. I always pay attention to the road names (and not just &quot;take next left&quot;), but I also really keep an eye out for extra signage (like signs showing the route to get to a highway) or closures.<p>One of the problems with current GPS tech and the maps is they&#x27;re really damn good -- but still not perfect. The fact they work so well most of the time makes people complacent.