Reading and drawing maps are as essential to a student of Geography as the knowledge of tables is to maths. Maps provide a great graphical representation of data that would otherwise take too long to explain in words. The proper use of maps and globes helps economize time and effort in exploring a terrain. However, for a map to be truly useful, interpreting a map correctly is very important. Reading a map accurately requires a student to have sound knowledge of symbols and relevant cartographic skills.
The basic concepts and skills required for map and globe reading at primary level are location, directions, map scales and map symbols. This week at Staford, we conducted an activity in Class V A which included recognizing the features and drawing corresponding symbols. The students enjoyed the activity as it included the drawing of various symbols on a chart made for especially for this activity.