NATIONAL READ A ROAD MAP DAY
Annually, National Read a Road Map Day on April 5th challenges us to test our skills.
#NationalReadARoadMapDay
The earliest road map, Britania Atlas, was drawn by cartographer John Ogilby in 1675. Fast forward a few centuries, and my how things have changed! With satellites, GPS, and voice commands do we know how we get anywhere anymore?
Road maps are still a useful tool. Should batteries run low or a satellite connection becomes lost, we will need to rely on a current road map to keep us on course. The day reminds us to take some time to sharpen those map reading skills. Take notice of your surroundings. Do you know north from east? If not, it’s a good time to learn.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL READ A ROAD MAP DAY
Practice reading a road map.
- Learn the different symbols.
- Put away the electronic devices and unfold a traditional road map.
- Familiarize yourself with it and take a little trip.
- Do you have a knack for using a map? Teach someone else to read a map.
- Or maybe you can build a road map like Meg Duguid, Michael Thomas, and Thomas Duguid did below! Share your fun projects with us, too.
- Use #NationalReadARoadMapDay to post on social media.
- Visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for a road map scavenger hunt.
- Attention adventurers! Check out these 5 Epic Road Trips that will require map reading skills.
NATIONAL READ A ROAD MAP DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this national day. No one left a map behind for us to follow. If they did, no one can find it, either.
Road Map FAQ
Q. What is a mapmaker called?
A. A mapmaker is called a cartographer.
Q. Why do people still use paper road maps?
A. Wireless service isn’t always 100% reliable, batteries die and technology fails. While the roadmap or atlas in your car may not contain the latest rest stops, newest restaurants or the fastest route, they do provide reliable navigation between points A and B.
