Mental mapping and field sketching in geography at the University of Aberdeen

Together these two exercises provide students with a useful insight into data and information collection, recording and observation. They do not require any artistic skills or talent, although admittedly it can be helpful, but rather they rely upon a student's ability to carefully observe what they see in the landscape, recording the data and information there and then, or recalling it a later stage. Arguably a photograph of the landscape can provide the same information, and albeit a simpler way to record the view. However, undertaking the exercise in the field, with appropriate guidance, can soon open up a student's eyes, such that their ability to observe and record the landscape, together with some elementary analysis and interpretation significantly improves.