New
New
Year 11
AQA

Using 2D GIS for physical geography fieldwork

I can use 2D GIS to visualise and analyse physical geography fieldwork data.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Using 2D GIS for physical geography fieldwork

I can use 2D GIS to visualise and analyse physical geography fieldwork data.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. 2D GIS can be used to visualise and configure primary georeferenced data attributes from physical geography fieldwork.
  2. 2D GIS visualisations can use attributes including bearing data to create proportional, orientated symbols.
  3. 2D GIS visualisations can be time-enabled using temporal data attributes to enhance the visualisation.
  4. 2D GIS visualisations of secondary data such as historical maps can be used to support fieldwork enquiry.

Keywords

  • Georeferenced - information which has been tied to a particular location (geolocated), using an agreed system such as latitude and longitude

  • Attribute - a data value associated with a feature or variable measure (‘field’) in a GIS layer

  • Bearing - an angle measured clockwise from north 0° to 359°used to orientate attribute symbols to show direction

  • Historical maps - maps from any time in the past which can be compared with more recent maps, used as secondary data

Common misconception

Students may think that fieldwork is just about collecting primary data and may not know why or how it is georeferenced. They may not know what GIS secondary data is or how to link it to primary data.

Make sure students know why georeferencing is important and how to georeference their data for use in GIS. Make sure they know what GIS secondary data is available, and how to link it to primary data.


To help you plan your year 11 geography lesson on: Using 2D GIS for physical geography fieldwork, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

No matter what your level of experience is with GIS, go through all the steps yourself first until you feel confident and fluent. Don't worry if you make a mistake, everybody does, even experienced practitioners!
Teacher tip

Equipment

The lesson will require students to have access to a suitable IT device e.g. laptop. Some tasks would be facilitated by the students using a mouse for more effective and faster control of the cursor.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - outdoor learning

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.

Correct Answer:Fieldwork,Geographical study done outside the classroom

Geographical study done outside the classroom

Correct Answer:Hypothesis,A statement that can be tested

A statement that can be tested

Correct Answer:Sampling,Choosing data points to collect information

Choosing data points to collect information

Correct Answer:Data collection,Gathering information for analysis

Gathering information for analysis

Q2.
What is the purpose of physical geography fieldwork?

To test a scientific theory in space
To explore patterns in human behaviour
Correct answer: To investigate natural features or processes
To learn about history

Q3.
What does a hypothesis do in fieldwork?

It tells you where to go
Correct answer: It gives you a testable idea
It proves your results
It explains your opinion

Q4.
A is a small part of a population used to represent the whole.

Correct Answer: sample

Q5.
Why do geographers often use field sketches?

To draw cartoons
To record sounds
Correct answer: To capture key features quickly
To avoid writing

Q6.
What does qualitative data describe?

Numbers and measurements
Coordinates only
Statistical averages
Correct answer: Colours and smells

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.

Correct Answer:Georeferenced,Data linked to a specific location using latitude and longitude

Data linked to a specific location using latitude and longitude

Correct Answer:Bearing,Angle from north used to show direction

Angle from north used to show direction

Correct Answer:Attribute,Data value tied to a GIS feature or variable

Data value tied to a GIS feature or variable

Correct Answer:Historical maps,Old maps used for comparing past and present data

Old maps used for comparing past and present data

Q2.
What are historical maps used for in fieldwork?

Collecting new data
Correct answer: Comparing past and present landscapes
GPS navigation
Measuring height

Q3.
Which system is commonly used to georeference data?

Correct answer: Latitude and longitude
Time zones
Postal codes
Road signs

Q4.
How can historical maps be linked to primary data in GIS?

By guessing locations
Correct answer: By scanning and georeferencing them
By using them without modification
By ignoring them

Additional material

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