The article is dedicated to the field training in geodesy, topography and field thematic imagery interpretation, which is learned by the 2nd term cartography students of the Faculty of Geography of Lomonosov Moscow State University. The aims and objectives of the training are outlined, alongside with its relationship to higher geographic education. We demonstrate the scope and diversity of works performed, and set out the organizational structure of training. Two stages of the training are discussed: topo-geodetic and thematic field image interpretation. Their features, methodological and technical base, geography and themes of work, approaches to the generation of reports are outlined. It is shown that the tasks solved by students can be not only educational in nature, but also can be motivated by derivation of cartographic and topo-geodetic materials of real practical importance, demanded by specialists who carry out research at the training sites. The material presented in the article can be useful in organizing field trainings and developing educational programs by the geographical faculties of universities.