Maps are an increasingly used source of information and it is therefore essential to develop map skills in students. A fundamental factor affecting the choice of map skills and the way they are developed is the teacher and his/her concept of map work. Based on the results of a survey and semi-structured interviews among Czech teachers, this study…

Landforms often are represented on maps using abstract cartographic techniques that the reader must interpret for successful three-dimensional terrain visualization. New technologies in 3D landscape representation, both digital and tangible, offer the opportunity to visualize terrain in new ways. The results of a university student workshop, in…

Focuses on how to teach general reference cartographic maps (maps that show feature's of the earth's surface easily recognizable by most people). Notes that the content of general reference maps can best be understood in terms of the structure of simple lists. (RS)

Designates steps to be taken at all stages of the map production process from planning to printing. Pointers include making sure that the map is essential rather than purely decorative; considering the audience for whom the map is intended; determining the primary message that the map is intended to convey; and considering the dimensions of the…

Describes a college level geography project which focused on land use identification from aerial photographs, land use mapping, and the identification and analysis of land use changes in the field. The project was intended to help students apply geographic skills to real world problems. (AM)

The current crisis in geography education has spawned several books on mapmaking, many of which advocate either recitation and drill or a conceptual top-down model that ignores children's interests. Maintaining that there is no substitute for hands-on experience, this book presents an alternative model. The initial emphasis is on local projects…

This dissertation examines development of children's skills at map using and free-recall map sketching, with particular emphasis on map reasoning, competence in cartographic language, and performance in cartographic language. Cartographic language (the broad range of line, point, and area signs and map elements) is interpreted as the means by…

Discusses shortcomings of conventional maps and examines how to transform map geography to provide more functional cartographic illustrations. (Author/DB)

This publication is intended for those who wish to design or evaluate a map and globe skills program across several grade levels. The introduction discusses general considerations underlying effective map and globe skills instruction. A grade-by-grade outline of a map and globe skills program provides recommendations for the following categories:…

Describes a collaborative effort involving art, earth science, and computer lessons in teaching the theory and practice of contour mapping. Discusses the approaches and activities contained in the unit for seventh-grade students. Includes the computer program which was written for use with Terrapin LOGO on an Apple II. (ML)