Using 2D GIS for physical geography fieldwork
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use 2D GIS to visualise and analyse physical geography fieldwork data.
Key learning points
- 2D GIS can be used to visualise and configure primary georeferenced data attributes from physical geography fieldwork.
- 2D GIS visualisations can use attributes including bearing data to create proportional, orientated symbols.
- 2D GIS visualisations can be time-enabled using temporal data attributes to enhance the visualisation.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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!
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
Q2.What is the purpose of physical geography fieldwork?
Q3.What does a hypothesis do in fieldwork?
Q4.A is a small part of a population used to represent the whole.
Q5.Why do geographers often use field sketches?
Q6.What does qualitative data describe?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
Q2.What are historical maps used for in fieldwork?
Q3.Which system is commonly used to georeference data?
Q4.How can historical maps be linked to primary data in GIS?
To help you plan your 11 geography lesson on: Using 2D GIS for physical geography fieldwork, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 geography lesson on: Using 2D GIS for physical geography fieldwork, 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 4 geography lessons from the Fieldwork unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.