Using digital maps to explore changes in our local area
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use digital maps in a geographic information system (GIS) to see how my local area has changed over time.
Key learning points
- A geographic information system (GIS) is a type of digital map that helps us see and understand geographical patterns.
- We can use a GIS to investigate our local area.
- We can use a GIS to investigate changes in our local area over time.
- Most villages, town and cities have grown in the last 120 years.
Keywords
Aerial image - a photograph taken from above using a satellite, aeroplane or drone
Geographic information system - a GIS contains digital maps that allow us to investigate geographical patterns
Digital map - a map that can be used on a computer, tablet or smartphone
Basemap - a background map in a GIS
Common misconception
All roads in the UK were built for cars to travel on them.
Many of our roads were built before cars were invented. They were originally built for people walking, horses, and carts. Cars came much later, and the roads were changed over time so cars could use them safely.
Teacher tip
The old maps layer in the Geography Visualiser does not include Northern Ireland. If you are based in Northern Ireland you can either choose a place in England, Scotland or Wales to investigate or use the National Library of Scotland's side-by-side map viewer, which has a similar capability.
Equipment
Computers or tablets with access to the internet. The ArcGIS Geography Visualiser is free and can be accessed online without signing in, however, to save work the pupils would need a login.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a feature on a map?
Q2.What might you call a map you use on a computer?
Q3.Which of these features are you more likely to find on a map today than a map made 100 years ago?
Q4.If a new park is built in your area, how might it appear on a digital map?
Q5.How might we be able to see places in greater detail on a digital map?
Q6.In maths, the proper name for the space inside a shape is its:
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a digital map?
Q2.Which of these terms is used for moving around a digital map with your mouse cursor?
Q3.What does GIS stand for?
Q4.What does the 'Swipe' function on the Geography Visualiser allow you to do?
To help you plan your 4 geography lesson on: Using digital maps to explore changes in our local area, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 geography lesson on: Using digital maps to explore changes in our local area, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 geography lessons from the Local area: what needs changing? unit, dive into the full primary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.