New
New
Year 10
AQA

Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation

I can use GIS to visualise deforestation and analyse the causes of deforestation.

New
New
Year 10
AQA

Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation

I can use GIS to visualise deforestation and analyse the causes of deforestation.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. GIS uses remote sensing to investigate spatio-temporal changes in rainforests.
  2. Remote sensing includes satellite imagery and aerial imagery.
  3. Historical satellite imagery and aerial imagery can be studied using swipe tools such as the Esri Wayback App or 3D GIS.
  4. Remote sensing can be used to monitor and manage deforestation.
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 10 geography lesson on: Using GIS to visualise and analyse deforestation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You can familiarise yourself with the activities by watching the 'GIS guides' included in this lesson.
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Equipment

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 with their definitions:

Correct Answer:biodiversity,the variety of plant and animal life in an ecosystem

the variety of plant and animal life in an ecosystem

Correct Answer:emergent layer,the tallest trees in the rainforest, rising above all others

the tallest trees in the rainforest, rising above all others

Correct Answer:canopy,the continuous layer of trees that blocks out sunlight

the continuous layer of trees that blocks out sunlight

Correct Answer:deforestation,the removal of large areas of forest by humans

the removal of large areas of forest by humans

Correct Answer:nutrient cycle,the movement and exchange of nutrients within the ecosystem

the movement and exchange of nutrients within the ecosystem

Q2.
Which continent contains the largest tropical rainforest in the world?

Africa
Correct answer: South America
Asia
Oceania

Q3.
What is the main cause of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest?

Climate change
Mining
Correct answer: Cattle ranching
Tourism

Q4.
Why do rainforest trees have buttress roots?

To collect rainfall
Correct answer: To support the tall trees in shallow soil
To trap sunlight
To protect against animals

Q5.
What is one result of deforestation?

Correct answer: Increased soil erosion
Cooler temperatures
Less carbon dioxide in the air
Improved biodiversity

Q6.
Which of these best describes tropical rainforest climate?

Hot and dry all year
Correct answer: Hot and wet all year
Cold and snowy all year
Hot summers and cold winters

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions:

Correct Answer:Remote sensing,Data collected at a distance using different wavelengths

Data collected at a distance using different wavelengths

Correct Answer:Satellite imagery,Images collected by satellites of features on Earth

Images collected by satellites of features on Earth

Correct Answer:Aerial imagery,Images collected by aircraft of features on Earth

Images collected by aircraft of features on Earth

Q2.
What kind of GIS tool helps compare changes over time?

Correct answer: Swipe tool
Filter tool
Buffer zone
Attribute table

Q3.
A plantation may appear green on imagery but might still be unsustainable.

Correct Answer: palm

Q4.
Why is GIS useful in managing deforestation?

It replaces the need for fieldwork
It stops people cutting trees
Correct answer: It helps visualise and monitor changes across time and space
It lowers the cost of paper maps

Additional material

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