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Illustration of a teacher pointing at a map on an easel while children gather around to look
Examine an orienteering map together and talk about the symbols

Map Discussion — Activity

Discuss how orienteering maps represent the world

Time10-15 minutes
SpaceSchoolyard, local park, or forest
MaterialsOrienteering map of the area
VocabularyMap legend, Landmarks

"Let's have a look at an orienteering map"

Map Discussion is a guided group activity where participants examine an orienteering map to learn how symbols and features represent the real world. Participants look at a map together, talk about what the symbols mean, and relate them to the terrain around them.

How to Run It

Setup​

  1. Print a large poster sized map of the area

Steps​

1. Gather the group. Gather the group at a clear spot with visible landmarks (e.g. near a path, playground, or open field).

2. Introduce the map. Show them the orienteering map of the area and point out it looks different from Google Maps or topographic maps, more detailed and full of symbols.

3. Explain the symbols. Explain that the symbols are standardized worldwide, like a language you can use anywhere.

4. Connect ground to map. Ask students to point to something they see in the real world (e.g. a fence or a tree line) and try to find it on the map.

5. Reinforce the concept. Reinforce that this is called "relating the ground to the map", you start with what you see and then match it on the map.

Adaptations​

Ways to adapt the activity to meet the needs of your students: slow things down, increase the challenge, or adapt for different learners

  • Draw your own map: have them draw their own simple map using symbols for things they see
  • Symbol Relay: if you haven't already, try the Symbol Relay activity next