Geotechnologies and cartographic literacy: constructing the concept of legend through Google Earth

Abstract

The article discusses the importance of cartographic literacy in Geography education, especially in light of educational transformations driven by new technologies. The main objective is to present a pedagogical experience conducted in 2021 with 6th-grade elementary school students, using Google Earth to reconstruct cartography learning, which was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The adopted methodology involved practical activities at the State School of Campo de Porto Mendes, in Marechal Cândido Rondon, aiming to make learning more dynamic and interactive. Students explored elements such as scale, location, and orientation through the digital tool, allowing them to visualize and interpret maps more meaningfully. The development of the experience focused on constructing the concept of a cartographic legend, an essential aspect of map comprehension. Google Earth enabled students to create representations of geographic space using colored polygons, facilitating the association between real elements and their symbolic representation. The interactivity provided by the platform supported the abstraction necessary for cartographic understanding. The final considerations highlight that the use of geotechnologies enhances cartographic literacy and makes Geography education more engaging. However, challenges related to school infrastructure and teacher training still exist. It is concluded that the integration of cartography and technology can significantly contribute to learning, preparing students for a more critical and informed reading of geographic space.