Is there any research direction which is closely related with map reading?
Since I'm not really sure what is available in the GIS field for research I won't try to answer that part, but when I was in university I did some consultant work for a GPS company called baseline geo. 

They had me in to help with some database stuff, but much of what they did seemed to be making custom gps/gis maps for various clients. For example they might have a client who is a fisherman that needs a map of all his fishing areas, or where his traps are. Another example could be a wildlife preserve where they need to keep track of the animals with gps trackers in realtime. Either way it would fit both your skillsets. This is just a industry example and you seem to me more looking for a research position or ideas.