Observations of Map by Mai

In our class, we wrote maps of the world individually. There was no hint to write a map accurately. It was up to us. After that, we observed the maps that were written by somebody else in the class.

When I watched them, I thought that almost all of the students’ maps were ground maps. Why did they write ground maps? Why did not they write global maps? I think that there are some reasons. First, of course, a global map is too difficult to write. We cannot image how to write a global map on a paper. Second, maybe, we are not accustomed to watching a global map. A ground map is familiar to us. So, we imaged a ground map in an instant as our teacher asked us to write maps of the world. For example, when I was an elementary student, I studied where my country is on a ground map. I have not used a global map many times so far. A ground map is very useful because it can be posted on the walls, it does not need too much storage space and it is light to bring. On the other hand, a global map is not useful. It needs much storage space and it is heavier than a ground map. Therefore, a ground map is more used by people than a global map. But actually, a global map is correct in position and distance. So we use a global map better to understand them.

And on my observation, almost all of the students wrote their home countries in the center of the maps. Usually my country is written in the center of a ground map. So, most of us have not seen a ground map that other countries were written in the center of the map. 

Most of us could write 5 continents and did not write small island countries, for example islands of Oceania. They could write countries better near their home country. There is no time enough to write them. And actually, I do not know about them well, so if I had had enough time, I could not have wrote them. When I watch a world map, I usually watch my country or 5 continents, so I have no image other islands. I want to know about them. I can write 5 continents, but I do not know about in particular African countries. So, I want to know about them too. I want to be a person who can image in an instant where countries are. I think that it is very important to learn international relations. We can understand better about regions.

I think that I should be more conscious of the world. I am interested in international disputes, economics, religions, war, sociology, history and so on. I want to learn about them at university.  However, I do not know even where countries are or countries’ name correctly. It is a foundation for studying international relations. Now, I think to try to remember it.

Mai