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      GIS: Analysing inequality at different scales

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use Geographic Information Systems to analyse patterns of inequality at different scales.

      Key learning points

      1. Digital maps and GIS help us visualise inequality globally and within the UK.
      2. Digital maps help us analyse economic and social inequality.
      3. GIS can be used to analyse deprivation across a transect in a city.

      Keywords

      • Inequality - the uneven distribution of resources, opportunities, and living conditions

      • GIS - a geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system that captures and displays geographic data to help understand spatial patterns

      • GDP per capita - the total monetary value of all the goods and services produced in a country over a year, divided by the population

      • Healthy life expectancy - the estimated average number of years lived free from disability or disease burden

      • Deprivation - a lack of basic needs and services that people need to live a safe and healthy life

      Common misconception

      Countries with the highest GDP per capita always have the highest healthy life expectancy.

      This isn't always the case as other factors also play a big role, like access to healthcare, lifestyle, diet, pollution levels, and inequality.

      Teacher tip

      The 2nd learning cycle includes analysing deprivation across a transect across Sheffield. You may wish to replicate the instructions using a different place. Analysing deprivation within the local area is sensitive and it is important to consider what is appropriate for your setting.

      Equipment

      Computers, laptop or tablets with access to the internet. This lesson uses Esri's Geography Visualiser, which is a free resource.

      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.
      What does “development” mean in geography?

      Building new houses
      Earning more money through trade
      Correct answer: Improvement in quality of life and standard of living
      Creating new countries

      Q2.
      Which of these is an example of an indicator of development?

      Earthquake frequency
      Correct answer: Birth rate
      Cloud cover
      Plate movement

      Q3.
      What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?

      A ranking of natural disasters
      A measure of a country's size
      Correct answer: A combined measure of life expectancy, education and income
      A type of graph

      Q4.
      What is meant by global inequality?

      When all countries have the same resources
      Unequal access to the internet
      Differences in clothing styles
      Correct answer: Differences in wealth and development between countries

      Q5.
      Countries with high levels of development usually have a literacy rate.

      Correct Answer: high

      Q6.
      Which of these is often true of less developed countries?

      High income and high life expectancy
      Correct answer: High infant mortality and low literacy rate
      Low birth rate and long life expectancy
      Low death rate and high GDP per capita

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the role of GIS in geography?

      Drawing political maps
      Forecasting weather
      Correct answer: Mapping and analysing spatial data
      Naming continents

      Q2.
      What does GDP per capita help us understand?

      The population of a country
      The number of cities in a country
      Correct answer: The average income per person in a country
      The amount of land a country has

      Q3.
      Which of the following is an example of deprivation?

      Correct answer: Poor housing and lack of clean water
      High-speed internet access
      Attending private school
      Owning two vehicles

      Q4.
      Which of the following is true?

      High GDP per capita always means the highest healthy life expectancy
      Countries with lower GDP per capita can never have good healthcare
      Higher income always means better living conditions
      Correct answer: GDP per capita and healthy life expectancy don’t always match perfectly

      To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: GIS: Analysing inequality at different scales, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...