Using GIS desire lines to visualise migration
I can use GIS desire lines to visualise migration.
Using GIS desire lines to visualise migration
I can use GIS desire lines to visualise migration.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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.
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 Global variations in economic development unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Lines on a map showing direction of movement from one place to another
A GIS tool that helps declutter a webmap to reveal spatial patterns
Straight routes that appear curved due to Earth’s shape
A small window showing text, images or data linked to a location