I spent most of my life using compass and topo maps along with terrain association to help in finding my way. Using terrain association it really helps to pinpoint where you are on the map.

(Edit. Hikermore already explained what I was about to.)

Continuing on...

With the advent of Google Earth, I (and many others) use it to also to print maps of the intended area of travel as the details afforded with these maps along with the ability to rotate the view in any direction and to also show 3D views of the terrain makes for better route planning etc. Not to mention that many of the topo maps in my AO have not been updated for 20-30 years...if not more and do not show newer roads, trails etc whereas most Google imagery in this area is only a few years old and thusly more up to date in this aspect.