One thing I find easy about basic map skills is are cardinal directions because we have learned about directions our whole life and many of us have already done directions and know what directions are. I find it easy because if you know the four basic directions (north, east, south, west) then you can easily find out what the other directions are (northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest). I struggle most with coordinates because coordinates is the only new thing I am learning out of the four map skills. Also I am having trouble placing the coordinates. Basic map skills are necessary because when you are looking at a map if you are trying to go somewhere or if you are looking at a map for school you need to learn how to look and read a map. Basic map skills can help people understand geography more because if there are things happening in the world you can use basic map skills to find out where they are happening.
