7 in 10 Gen Z think they can confidently read a map

By Charlotte Minett via SWNS

Seven in 10 Gen Z adults claim they can confidently read a map when needed - smashing the stereotype of them being a map-illiterate generation.

A study of 2,000 adults found that day-to-day use of mapping apps on their phones has made young people more confident when it comes to traditional paper maps.

Half could also use a compass – more than the 46 percent of 45-54 year-olds who said the same.

Three in 10 45-54-year-olds said they ‘never’ use a physical map, which drops to just 16 percent of ‘Gen Z’.

And 18-24-year-olds were more likely than any other age group to also consider themselves to have a good sense of direction.

The study was commissioned by Ordnance Survey, whose MD for Leisure Nick Giles said: “It’s very reassuring to see that so many young people can confidently use a map.

“It has long been thought of as a key life skill, but one which was also dying out."