In a survey of Geography teachers carried out in 1992 (Gillmor and Waddington, 1993), the three map work skills which were considered to be most difficult to achieve were: - (I) Calculate gradient (2) Recognise landforms from contour patterns (3) Understanding cross-sectional diagrams It is observed that all of these skills depended on understanding of contours and their interpretation. The following is an outline of a course designed to improve student skills in these aspects of map work. It is based on suggestions made by colleagues and a large number of written sources read over a long period and adapted for use, plus ideas developed by the author. It is not, therefore, possible to source all the individual items directly, but thanks are due to a large number of contributors. No expensive resources or vast amounts of preparation time are required and virtually all items are reusable. It is not, of course, suggested that the map skills should be taught in isolation from the rest of the Geography course or in one continuous unit, but that they should be integrated as appropriate and linked to other areas of work.