What Kind of Topographical Orientation Does a German Citizen Need? The Perspectives of Society and Experts

Abstract

Within the didactical discussion is no final agreement on a canon that represents the minimum of necessary topographical knowledge. Several authors have made suggestions based on hermeneutics or experience. This article completes these attempts through an empirical approach. 172 prominent members of society and 110 experts in geography have been asked to mark those elements on maps of Germany, Europe and the world that they consider important. The results show a broad consensus among the participants and are helpful in setting standards for topographical knowledge.