Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use GIS to visualise deforestation and analyse the causes of deforestation.
Key learning points
- GIS uses remote sensing to investigate spatio-temporal changes in rainforests.
- Remote sensing includes satellite imagery and aerial imagery.
- Historical satellite imagery and aerial imagery can be studied using swipe tools such as the Esri Wayback App or 3D GIS.
- Remote sensing can be used to monitor and manage deforestation.
- Remote sensing can be used to analyse a range of economic activities which can contribute to causes of deforestation.
Keywords
Remote sensing - the collection of data at a distance reflected or emitted by objects, living things or areas on different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, observed by satellite or aircraft
Satellite imagery - a type of remote sensing which uses observations by satellites of selected parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to monitor terrestrial, oceanic or atmospheric features and processes
Aerial imagery - a type of remote sensing which uses observations by aircraft of selected parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to monitor terrestrial, oceanic or atmospheric features and processes
Common misconception
Remote sensing data can easily be misinterpreted, especially if filters have been used.
Areas which appear green on an aerial or satellite image may not necessarily represent, e.g. green palm oil plantation or green fields may not be sustainable compared to the natural rainforest vegetation.
Teacher tip
You can familiarise yourself with the activities by watching the 'GIS guides' included in this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with their definitions:
the variety of plant and animal life in an ecosystem
the tallest trees in the rainforest, rising above all others
the continuous layer of trees that blocks out sunlight
the removal of large areas of forest by humans
the movement and exchange of nutrients within the ecosystem
Q2.Which continent contains the largest tropical rainforest in the world?
Q3.What is the main cause of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest?
Q4.Why do rainforest trees have buttress roots?
Q5.What is one result of deforestation?
Q6.Which of these best describes tropical rainforest climate?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
Data collected at a distance using different wavelengths
Images collected by satellites of features on Earth
Images collected by aircraft of features on Earth
Q2.What kind of GIS tool helps compare changes over time?
Q3.A plantation may appear green on imagery but might still be unsustainable.
Q4.Why is GIS useful in managing deforestation?
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation, 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 Tropical rainforest unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.