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Using digital maps to identify forests around the world
I can use a geographic information system (GIS) to identify where different types of forests are located.
Lesson 7 of 7
New
New
- Year 5
Using digital maps to identify forests around the world
I can use a geographic information system (GIS) to identify where different types of forests are located.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Geographic information systems (GIS) are digital maps that allow us to visualise and analyse geographical patterns
- Geographic information systems can be used to investigate the location of forests.
Keywords
Geographic information system - a GIS contains digital maps that allow us to investigate geographical patterns
Digital map - a map that we can see and use on a computer, tablet or smartphone
Biome - a large area with a similar climate, wildlife and vegetation
Layer - a piece of information that we can put on top of a basemap in a GIS
Common misconception
Explaining something is the same as describing something.
Describing is saying what we see, while explaining is giving reasons for something.
Teachers may wish pupils to complete the GIS tasks alongside the video modelling, by showing the video in short sections and then asking pupils to complete each part of the instructions
Teacher tip
Equipment
Computers, tablet with internet access
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.There are different types of forest. Which forest is sometimes known by the initials TRF for short? This forest is found in hot, wet climate zones.
There are different types of forest. Which forest is sometimes known by the initials TRF for short? This forest is found in hot, wet climate zones.
Temperate forests
Boreal forests
Taiga forests
Q2.GIS stands for a geographic system.
GIS stands for a geographic system.
Q3.The name for a background map in a GIS is a ...
The name for a background map in a GIS is a ...
aerial map
digital map
location map
Q4.Why might geographers compare a modern map layer with a map layer from 100 years ago?
Why might geographers compare a modern map layer with a map layer from 100 years ago?
To understand what people think about living in an area.
To measure the amount of rainfall in an area
To see what a landscape looked like during the last Ice Age
Q5.Which of these tools lets you see more detail on a digital map (or less detail)?
Which of these tools lets you see more detail on a digital map (or less detail)?
Bookmarks
Compass
Default map view
Save
Q6.The zoom tool helps us to explore on a digital map. Zooming out lets us see a wider view of the world, while zooming in shows more ...
The zoom tool helps us to explore on a digital map. Zooming out lets us see a wider view of the world, while zooming in shows more ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Q2.What word goes with each of these terms to describe types of biome where trees are the most important vegetation type: rain, temperate, taiga ... ?
What word goes with each of these terms to describe types of biome where trees are the most important vegetation type: rain, temperate, taiga ... ?
Q3.To describe is to say what we can see, to explain is to ...
To describe is to say what we can see, to explain is to ...
give your own opinion
give more detail about what you can see
Q4.Which of these Geography Visualiser map layers would be most helpful for explaining the location of different forest biomes?
Which of these Geography Visualiser map layers would be most helpful for explaining the location of different forest biomes?
GB Historic Maps
Global Cities
Population by Country
Sea Surface Temperature
Q5.What does the 'Swipe' tool on a the Geography Visualiser allow you to do?
What does the 'Swipe' tool on a the Geography Visualiser allow you to do?
Add labels to your map
Delete information / delete a map layer
Adjust the transparency of your map layer
Q6.Which of these factors help explain the location of the taiga forest biome?
Which of these factors help explain the location of the taiga forest biome?
high rainfall
high temperatures
