4 Benefits of Map-Reading and Geography Skills

As technology evolves, we often consider once-essential skills obsolete. One way technology has made our lives easier in a big way is through GPS satellites. We no longer need to read maps because computers do it for us — right? While paper maps may feel outdated, it’s still important to know how to read them. Here are some of the main benefits of being able to read maps:

Maps Add Context

Maps help us understand things like distance, directions and what people mean when they say “an ocean away.” By looking at a map, a child can understand where they are in relation to other things. For example, a Floridian child can read a map and know that they’re in one of the southernmost states in the United States. On a smaller scale, a map can help a family find landmarks while exploring a new place. 

Makes History Tangible

Looking at maps from different times helps us understand how things like borders have changed over time. Children may believe that countries have always been the way they are now. By seeing historical maps, they can see how things like tectonic shifts and geopolitical issues have caused the shape of the world as we know it to change. Similarly, looking at maps from different countries can help us understand different global perspectives on the world. 

More Engaging Navigation

When using GPS systems to navigate, we allow the computer to do the thinking for us. Blindly following directions means we don’t have to pay attention to our surroundings and rely less on critical thinking. Using maps or atlases to navigate means we need to look out for street names and landmarks. We also need to know how to tell which direction is north, south, east or west. When looking out for these markers and cardinal directions, we notice more of what’s around us. 

No Batteries Needed

In a more practical sense, maps allow us to navigate our surroundings when our cell phones lose signal or battery power. If you’re at a theme park with ample signage, this might not feel necessary. However, if you’re in the woods or the mountains, a map can be a life saver. Children who understand how to read maps when they’re young will fare better if they’re in a situation where they have a map and nothing else to help them navigate. 

Even as technology evolves, we believe the ability to read maps and understand geography continues to be an important part of early learning. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a Titusville private school, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop their full potential. Teachers foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and equip students for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.