An international project called International Geographical Dictation – 2017 was held in Baku branch of Moscow State University (MSU) named after M.V.Lomonosov. The project which for the first time was held in Russia by Russian Geographical Society (RGS) became an international project this year.
Historically, Russian Geographical Society was one of Russian cartography centers. Well-known geodesists, topographs and cartographs such as V.Y.Struve, F.F.Shubert, N.D.Artamonov, K.A.Salishev were members of that society. Cartography collection of the society began to be formed in 1845 from its establishment. Today, the collection includes nearly 40 thousand rare atlases and maps. In recent years, the volume of the collection has experienced a significant growth thanks to newly issued cartography materials and information with geological character, as well as grant support for the society. In 2015, for the first time Worldwide Geographical Dictation event was held with the initiative of President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin who is also Chairman of Board of Trustees of RGS.
International Geographical Dictation is a large-scale educational action which is directed to estimation of geographic literacy level of population. In 2017, the Dictation has reached to international level and on November 26, specially prepared regional spaces were functioning for holding a dictation in more than 25 countries (Russia, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Czech Republic, Denmark, Great Britain, Norway, Turkey, Montenegro, etc.) over the world. It was voluntary to participate in the dictation which was held in Russian language. The dictation consisted of 30 tests of different difficulty degree divided into 3 blocks. The questions in the first block were about geographical notions and terminology. The second block was for checking skills to work with maps and the third for determining based on notes in travelers’ dairies and parts selected from artistic works.
The number of people who wanted to participate in International Dictation in Baku branch of MSU was more than 800. It should be noted that the branch presented the biggest place for holding the event. 
Certificates were introduced to all participants of the Dictation. 55 representatives took part in the event from our university. Docent Vusala Babajanova, assistant Aynur Mammadova and tutor Mehman Kazimov received certificates and precious gifts. The results of the Dictation will be announced on December 25.

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