Using a GIS to locate and analyse places around the world
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a geographic information system (GIS) to locate places around the world and find out their size and distance from the UK.
Key learning points
- A GIS allows us to store and display data on a digital map.
- Different layers of data can be added on a GIS which allows us to investigate spatial patterns.
- A GIS can be used to locate places around the world and investigate their size and distance from other places.
- Decisions are taken when using a GIS to analyse data which can lead to differences in results.
Keywords
Digital map - A digital map is an electronic version of a map that can be used on a computer to see places, get directions, and find information about locations.
Geographic information system - A GIS (geographic information system) is a computer system that captures, and displays geographic data to help understand spatial patterns.
Layer - A layer in a GIS is a set of data that you can look at on a map so that geographical patterns can be analysed.
Common misconception
Digital maps are only used to locate places.
Digital maps are used in many different jobs and used to present data.
Teacher tip
Use computers or tablets to allow students to look at different examples of digital maps such as Google Maps or Google Earth.
Equipment
Computers, tablets or laptops with an internet connection are needed for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is not an example of a map?
Q2.A small-scale map shows a area.
Q3.Which of these features of a map works out the distance in real life compared to the map?
Q4.What can maps help us do?
Q5.What does a political map show?
Q6.What does a physical map show?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does GIS stand for?
Q2.How could you access a digital map?
Q3.Why might people use digital maps?
Q4.Why are GIS maps useful?
Q5.True or false? GIS maps can show more than one piece of data.
Q6.Which of these data sets could be presented on a GIS map?
To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: Using a GIS to locate and analyse places around the world, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: Using a GIS to locate and analyse places around the world, 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 3 geography lessons from the Geography: what makes a geographer? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.