1.2
Draw or Annotating World/Outline Maps
July 16, 2025
Julia Singer
3
Min Read
AI Summary
These revision notes focus on developing map annotation skills by accurately labeling world maps to highlight key geographic features using symbols, colors, and explanatory notes. The aim is to deepen understanding of spatial relationships and geographic impacts by critically analyzing and visually communicating environmental or human-related patterns.
Objective
To accurately label and annotate world maps to show major geographic features, using symbols, colors, and notes to convey the information and solidify their knowledge.
Core Concept
This strengthens understanding by understanding where things are, why they matter, and how they affect people and places.
Content
Outline maps show the shapes of continents and countries without labels, and mark landforms, borders, and general characteristics such as lakes, mountainous regions, and forests based on how detailed the map is drawn. The skill we are focusing on here is annotating these maps to provide information or comments which add context and allows for deeper understanding.
First, either draw or trace an outline of the world, adding countries is optional. (Bonus points if done from memory!)
Decide what information you want to provide with this map. Is it environmental features? Country borders? Natural hazard areas?
Annotate the map by using arrows and space boxes to write small paragraphs about specific areas of focus, or use colors to convey “population over 900,000” or “volcano hazards”. The advantage of these maps is that unlike choropleth maps, you can use many different colors or symbols, but make sure there is a legend!
EXAMPLE – ‘The Effects of Extreme Weather’
Things to Think About
Whenever we are annotating a map, it is important to always ask ourselves why. Developing a critical mind will only help with geography, because a large part of it is analyzing impacts from weather or human activities, explaining changes over time, and supporting geographical arguments. Make sure the purpose of your map is neat and clear.