Geographic knowledge and spatial thinking using cognitive mapping: A test with advanced-level students from the Ebro Delta

This article demonstrates the importance of cognitive mapping to assess geographic knowledge and spatial thinking. The study was carried out with a sample population comprising 132 A2-level students from five secondary schools of the Ebro Delta who were asked to record place names and landmarks on a blank map. Cartographic analyses revealed a number of spatial cognition issues. The results show that students have good geographic knowledge but find it difficult to display such knowledge on a detailed map due to weak spatial skills.