To be fair, you can also map read with GPS or phone, it is just a very small view of the map! As I said, this makes you more aware of the finer points of detail in the map but you lose the bigger picture. These days, because I have a phone and a gps, I rarely carry a map unless I am in wild country when replanning may need something bigger than a screen. Before I set off, I make sure I have downloaded the map so I never need a data connection or phone signal while I am out. Usually I will have multiple copies of different types of map- OS and Cachemap in my Garmin, an OS map on my phone and a ViewRanger Landscape map also in my phone. At one time I used to print off A4 segments of the OS map to carry with me but since ViewRanger and the OS app matured, I dont bother anymore even on areas like Dartmoor.
To be honest I don't miss the paper map. and I certainly don't miss the map case or stopping to get the map out. I cannot remember the last time I reached for one in anger while I was out. This will not be for everybody. I am a planner - it is part of the pleasure for me and oddly it gives me more freedom when I am walking. The preparation means I have a good idea where I am going so I just glance very occasionally at the screen to confirm I am on the right track, for example at a path junction. I still tick off features as I go along and I can still read the map when i want to - it is just on a screen.
If I was a more spontaneous walker, I might well take a map more often so I can decide where to go next and use the gps or phone to rapidly locate where I am on the map. Different strokes for different folks.
