I will be the first to admit that I am easily lost. This is an unfortunate fact, so I have to make doubly sure of directions to where I am going. My husband helps a lot with this, but I cannot always rely on him. My car does have a GPS, but believe it or not, I can still get lost with it. Mostly because the car is a few years old, and the GPS software that came with it does not automatically update. You have to buy a new disk (not cheap) to keep up with all the new streets and new construction in the city. When going to a new destination, I usually check Google Maps or Mapquest just to make sure I have a backup. I also keep my cell phone with me at all times, which also has a map feature. I have gotten lost enough times in the past, that I don’t mind a lot of redundancy in this issue.
What does this have to do with prepping? Emergencies don’t happen only during convenient times. What if something happens and we are at work or school? Our family now has discussions about what we would do if an event were to happen and we are nowhere near each other. We have to make sure we know how to get back together no matter where we are. If I get lost, it will waste precious time in getting to safety.
I read a good article on http://survivalcommonsense.com called “Three Maps You Should Carry in Your Bug Out Bag,” which also included a link to http://survivalcache.com “3 Maps that Should be in Your Survival Gear” that gives additional details about the maps. Those maps include: local area map, topographical map and extended area map. Happily, I just found out I can get local area maps and state maps for free from the roadside travel service that came with our auto insurance, so I requested some. Check with your auto insurance company if they have these maps may be available for free. I will need to shop for the topographical maps. Since we are still working on the bug out bags, we will keep the maps in the car’s glove compartment.
The Apartment Prepper's Blog 
You may be able to get topo maps from http://usgs.gov and check out google map buddy to print them from google maps.
Thanks for the suggestion, I will definitely try printing from usgs.gov.
You sound just like me! I get lost going places I’ve been before, for Pete’s sake. DH laughs at me. Thsanks for the info on the maps, I am headed over to check them out!
Thanks for mentioning my site!
GPS’s and other technology are a good thing to have, but a good map and compass will never fail you. (Provided you know how to use them)
Also, you don’t have to buy topo maps. if you go here:
http://digital-topo-maps.com/
You can zoom into your area, click the “MyTopo” and instantly have a topo map of your area that you can print off for free.
Another resource might be your local parks and rec department. I bet they have trail maps of their parks and that would be really handy if you anticiapte having to get through one during an emergency. Incidently, nice site Bernie!