EXPLORING CHILDREN'S ABILITY TO CATEGORIZE AND SYMBOLIZE

Cartographers categorize the features to be mapped according to their dimensions (i.e. point, linear, area) and according to their qualitative and quantitative inherent characteristics. This classification is crucial for the selection of the symbols. But are cartographers aware of the way children conceptualize the geographical space? Do cartographers know the way children categorize things (items) and especially geographical features in their environment? If we want to introduce children to cartographic concepts, we must try to meet their way of seeing the world around them. Starting from this point, an empirical study was designed for children aged 6 to 15, aiming to appraise their ability in categorizing geographical features they use and see in maps, as well as their ability in working with symbols.