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      GIS: Visualising the physical and human geography of the DRC

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use a geographic information system (GIS) to visualise the human and physical geography of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

      Key learning points

      1. The DRC is a country in central Africa and is one of the largest countries in Africa.
      2. The DRC is largely landlocked, it has a very small stretch of coastline to the west.
      3. Different layers of data on a GIS help us visualise the human geography of the DRC.
      4. Different layers of data on a GIS help us visualise the physical geography of the DRC.

      Keywords

      • Visualise - to form a mental or physical image of something, making it easier to understand

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

      • Layer - a visual representation of geographic data on a digital map, such as population density, income levels, or land use

      Common misconception

      The DRC is a relatively small country.

      The DRC is a very large country. It's position on the equator means that it often appears smaller than it really is on some world maps.

      Teacher tip

      There is ample opportunity to expand or reduce the use of GIS in this lesson to suit the needs of your class.

      Equipment

      Must have access to computers or tablets that are connected to the internet.

      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.
      Match the keywords to their definitions:

      Correct Answer:Equator,An imaginary line halfway around Earth

      An imaginary line halfway around Earth

      Correct Answer:Continent,A large landmass like Africa or Asia

      A large landmass like Africa or Asia

      Correct Answer:Capital city,City where a country’s government is based

      City where a country’s government is based

      Correct Answer:Climate,Rain, temperature, and wind in a region

      Rain, temperature, and wind in a region

      Q2.
      What major river flows through the DRC?

      Correct answer: Congo River
      Amazon River
      Nile River
      Zambezi River

      Q3.
      The DRC is covered in large areas of ...

      Desert
      Correct answer: Rainforest
      Mountains
      Ice

      Q4.
      One of the DRC’s neighbours is ...

      Correct answer: Uganda
      Spain
      India
      Australia

      Q5.
      What natural feature influences the DRC’s high rainfall?

      The mountains
      Correct answer: The Equator
      The ocean
      The desert

      Q6.
      The River is one of the most important rivers in Africa.

      Correct Answer: Congo

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keyword to its definition:

      Correct Answer:Geographic Information System (GIS),A computer system for analysing geographic data

      A computer system for analysing geographic data

      Correct Answer:Layer,A visual representation of information on a map

      A visual representation of information on a map

      Correct Answer:Visualise,To form a mental or physical image of something

      To form a mental or physical image of something

      Q2.
      What does GIS help geographers do?

      Travel between places
      Correct answer: See patterns in data on a map
      Build roads and buildings
      Write history books

      Q3.
      Which of the following could be a layer on a GIS map of the DRC?

      A list of street names
      The words of the national anthem
      Correct answer: Population density
      A clock

      Q4.
      Why might the DRC look smaller than it really is on some maps?

      It has no borders
      It’s mostly rainforest
      Correct answer: Its location near the Equator distorts its size
      It is underwater

      To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: GIS: Visualising the physical and human geography of the DRC, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...