7 Reasons Students Should Learn to Use Maps

In the modern day, people get around with navigators and satellite data. Some might even have trouble remembering how it was before. It is easy to go left or right according to the soft voice and get to a new place without any issues.

However, the maps haven’t disappeared. They are still taught in schools and colleges for a couple of good reasons. If you are wondering why to bother with learning it, this article will answer this question in detail.

Things Happen

The first and obvious reason is that anything can happen, and anything can go wrong. A mechanical compass might break down. A digital device might run low on battery at the worst moment ever. Or the data from the satellite might not be available due to no internet connection.

Although technology is advancing quite fast, if something can go wrong, it will eventually go wrong. Having a paper map is a safety measure and a crucial plan B for travelers.

Having a plan B is a must for all critical situations. For instance, imagine you are on a hiking trip with friends and suddenly remember that you didn’t submit a college paper. If you forgot about the college essay and now the deadline is too close, there is a way out. One can decide, “I want to pay someone to write my paper for me this time,” and request professional help. Expert academic writing platforms assist with the writing, editing, and proofreading of all types of college assignments at the shortest notice.

So even if you are out there camping with friends, you can still have a top-notch essay by the deadline without any problems. This is an excellent plan B whether you do not have time or lack confidence in your writing. The same principle applies to paper maps.

It is great to have navigation and modern technology with you, but there is no such thing as being too safe when it comes to traveling.

Development of Spatial Thinking

Besides offering more security, the ability to read maps develops essential skills everyone needs to have. One of the most crucial ones is spatial thinking. This name refers to the human ability to give visuals to data.

To put it simply, we process visuals with our brains. The map is a visual representation of several types of information:

• Roads;
• Rivers;
• Buildings;
• Traffic signs;
• Danger zones;
• Nature sights;
• Natural resources;
• Distances, etc.

People use spatial thinking every day when they need to process visual information and collect data from it. Usually, no one thinks with numbers and statistics, so graphic representation makes data more comprehensive as well.

This is how we interact with the world, and it is essential to develop these skills from a young age.

Problem-Solving

Another essential skill for all students, from freshers to seniors, is problem-solving. And this is where maps come in handy as well. It is an interesting exercise to work on finding the best route or eliminating dangers on the way.

Students might work on different approaches to the task, like various routes. They also learn to read signs and make conclusions based on many various factors. This also endorses creativity.

It is not a secret that problem-solving is one of the soft skills that everyone needs to work on. And this competency should be trained regularly to stay sharp. One will need it in the future career and personal life, no matter what path one chooses.

Also, making such map exercises helps promote decision-making and an active approach to problems.

Ability to Read Symbols

Although we do not use maps so much these days, the same symbols are used everywhere. And it is a perfect opportunity to develop the ability to quickly read those symbols. They are on traffic alerts, signs, and even advertisements.

The more one practices this, the better one can orient in any environment, whether it is a new or familiar one.

One of the good ways to train this is to create your own maps. For instance, draft a map of the neighborhood you live in for a friend with different symbols to signify roads, cafes, gas stations, or hospitals.

Cross-Curricular Learning

Maps are used in various spheres of life and incorporate a lot of different information. These are cross-curricular learning materials that create a connection between natural sciences, math, and humanities. A map can incorporate the following:

• Mathematical measurements;
• Tier-three vocabulary;
• Scientific evidence;
• Geographical data;
• Historical context, etc.

All of that can be combined into one assignment. This promotes a holistic approach to learning and the overall development of worldview. In some cases, maps can make the material more comprehensive. For instance, if you are learning History and a specific battle, it might be incredibly hard to imagine it without visual representation.

But when you have it all laid out on the map, it is easier to see positions, environments, and complications that impacted the battle’s ending. And it is much easier to remember information when you understand and visualize it.

Independence

This factor comes from all the skills mentioned above. When a person develops spatial thinking, problem-solving, and critical approach, they become more independent. This boosts confidence in all areas of life, which is always a huge benefit.

Independence results in self-reliance, which promotes healthy self-esteem. And those are essential to dealing with daily tasks, whether it is college curriculum, work, or stressful presentation. This contributes to students’ ability to achieve goals, communicate with others, and make decisions easily.

It is hard to underestimate how important it is for young adults to believe in themselves. Many factors contribute to this, and being able to orient in any environment independently is one of them.

Maps are Everywhere

We still use maps. And not only for traveling or finding the best route to a new place. For instance, they are used for evacuation plans in buildings from schools to hospitals. The ability to read them quickly and correctly can save lives. No navigator will help in a situation of fire hazard or other types of disaster. With an evacuation plan, you can find the best way to safety even in a building you’ve never been to before.

People also use maps in parks and recreational zones, as well as botanical gardens and zoos. Because it is an easy way to orient on the territory and not miss anything exciting. And even Walmart offers maps for shoppers now to find what they need in a huge store. No matter how great navigators are, people are using maps every day.

In Summary

Although some might think that paper maps are not relevant anymore, it is not true. The ability to read them is as crucial to people as reading or writing. It develops vital skills like spatial awareness, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to read signs.

It helps people navigate new environments and be safer in various situations, whether you are out camping or looking for a gas station in a new town.