Using GIS to visualise climate change impacts
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use 2D and 3D GIS to visualise climate change impacts.
Key learning points
- Climate change impacts can be visualised and analysed using geospatial data.
- The impacts can be visualised with georeferenced data using the GIS tool called media layers.
- Configuration of media layers happens in a 2D webmap, which can be saved for even more powerful use in 3D maps.
- GIS tools can support analysis of media layers including measurement tools and the Elevation Profile tool.
Keywords
Geospatial data - georeferenced information including quantitative data (e.g. numbers) or qualitative data (e.g. photos), which has been tied to a particular location (geolocated)
Media layers - overlays of scanned maps, aerial or satellite images which can be georeferenced to visually line up with other layers
Elevation Profile - a GIS tool which visualises changes in height above or below sea level along any transect line
Common misconception
Glacial landforms are not created by climate change.
Glacial landforms are often linked to climate change. In many areas we can only see glacial landforms because the ice sheets and glaciers which created them have melted. Climate change also causes glacial processes which modify the landscape.
Teacher tip
Practise the procedural steps first until fluent. Optional to improve georeferencing: In ‘Layers’ for ‘Triftglacier’ layer, click three dots > ‘Show properties’: ‘Edit placed media’ > click ‘Side-by-side’ to improve accuracy using the four corresponding place holders on each side.
Equipment
Students need access to computer devices, access to the Internet and log ons for ArcGIS Online. The procedural aspects will be much easier if students can also use a mouse with their device.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does GIS stand for?
Q2.What is climate change?
Q3.What is the main cause of recent climate change?
Q4.What is the role of deforestation in climate change?
Q5.What is a major international agreement to combat climate change?
Q6.Why is GIS important in climate change research?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Climate change impacts can be visualised and analysed using data and how it changes over time.
Q2.How can GIS help study glaciers and climate change?
Q3.What is one advantage of using GIS for climate change analysis?
Q4.Which of these climate-related changes can be monitored using GIS?
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Using GIS to visualise climate change impacts, 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 climate change impacts, 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.