Using GIS desire lines to visualise migration
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use GIS desire lines to visualise migration.
Key learning points
- Desire lines can be created using GIS to visualise migration.
- Filters can be used in GIS to declutter a map showing many desire lines.
- GIS desire lines can be configured to visualise migration proportionally.
- GIS desire lines can be configured with pop-ups to improve visualisation.
Keywords
Desire lines - a graphical technique using lines on a map to show the simple direction of movement from one place to another
Filter - the selection of data in a GIS layer which declutters a webmap to visualise spatial patterns more clearly
Great circles - straight line routes which appear curved because they take the curvature of Earth into consideration
Pop-up - in GIS, a read-only display of attribute information (e.g. text, images, charts) often linked to a location
Common misconception
Desire lines and flow lines are often confused.
Desire lines show a simple link between a source and destination; flow lines show the route taken between a source and destination.
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
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure?
Q2.Which of the following is an indicator of economic development?
Q3.Which country is most likely to have a high HDI?
Q4.Which of these is most likely to be a characteristic of a low-income country (LIC)?
Q5.What does GNI per capita help show?
Q6.Which of the following best describes the development gap?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
Q2.What is the main purpose of a GIS filter tool?
Q3.How do great circles appear on most 2D maps?
Q4.How do desire lines differ from flow lines in migration mapping?
To help you plan your 11 geography lesson on: Using GIS desire lines to visualise migration, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 geography lesson on: Using GIS desire lines to visualise migration, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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