The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using simple equipment on teaching plan map concepts as a main topic in a surveying course of vocational education. Six groups of students, enrolled in the surveying course, were randomly selected and pre-tested to examine their experience on plan map concepts. Three groups received traditional methods of teaching and used theodolite in plan map-making, while the other three used simple equipment as an extra fieldwork activity. At the end of the semester, all participants were post-tested. A significant difference was found between experimental and control groups on post-test scores. Also, there was a significant difference between the two groups with respect to students' high-level understanding of plan map concepts. The use of the simple equipment was strongly recommended in science and vocational schools to overcome some main problems.