Introduction. In the context of digitalization of education and partial deficit of material and technical resources, group project-based learning using video materials and involving social networks in disseminating the results of work demonstrates its effectiveness as a motivational stimulus and professional training of students. Theoretical analysis. The central core of the study was the civic-patriotic project “School atlases of the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics: 80 years of the Great Victory”. The project was aimed at solving a dual problem: on the one hand, to assess academic skills (the degree of proficiency in geoinformation mapping and design skills, the ability to work with arrays of geospatial and statistical data), and on the other hand, to foster patriotism through practical support for new regions of Russia in accordance with national development goals. The project included three stages: conceptual, cartographic, historical and educational. Conclusion. Working in small groups developed students’ delegation, responsibility and teamwork skills, as close as possible to the professional environment. The defense of projects in the format of an open presentation with reflection (quiz) confirmed a deep assimilation of the material and high involvement of the audience. Analysis of the results of the implementation of this method confirmed the strengthening of the civic position, professionalism and creativity of students, proving that project activities are a powerful tool for developing the competencies of future cartographers.