Using GIS to map the track of a tropical storm
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use and configure GIS to visualise the tracks of tropical storms.
Key learning points
- Ready-made tropical storm layers can be configured to visualise spatial patterns more effectively, e.g. using filters.
- Tropical storms can be analysed using pop-up data.
- Georeferenced data about a particular tropical storm can be mapped using GIS and configured to show selected attributes.
- A storm track can be visualised using temporal data, in a time-enabled GIS map.
Keywords
Attribute - a data value associated with a feature or variable measure (‘field’) in a GIS layer
Pop-up - in GIS, a read-only display of attribute information, often linked to a location
Georeferenced data - information which has been tied to a particular location (geolocated), using an agreed system such as latitude and longitude
Temporal data - information which is tied to a particular point in time, so that data can be time-enabled (also known as spatiotemporal data)
Common misconception
It is very easy to miss important small steps in GIS.
Take students through each step and check for understanding very regularly.
Teacher tip
Practise the procedural steps yourself first until you achieve fluency and feel confident. Don't worry if you make mistakes - everyone does even after years of experience!
Equipment
Access to devices such as latptops or desktops. Access to ArcGIS Online for all students and teachers, which is free to all schools.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Tropical storms require __________ water and __________ winds to form, they are found in tropical regions close to the equator.
Q2.The term for these storms changes, depending on where they occur. Match the term to its location.
Q3.Which of the following is not a typical feature of a tropical storm?
Q4.What does GIS stand for?
Q5.What type of data does GIS typically use to create maps?
Q6.Order the formation of a tropical storm.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is not a layer that might be used in a GIS to analyse a tropical storm?
Q2.Match the lesson's key words with their definitions.
Q3.How do Geographers use GIS to track tropical storms?
Q4.Why is it useful to use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to track a tropical storm?
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Using GIS to map the track of a tropical storm, 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 map the track of a tropical storm, 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 Climate change and weather hazards unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.