Using GIS for human geography fieldwork
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use GIS to visualise and analyse human geography fieldwork data.
Key learning points
- GIS can be used to visualise and configure primary georeferenced data attributes from human geography fieldwork.
- GIS visualisations can use attributes including bearing data to create proportional, orientated symbols.
- GIS visualisations can be time-enabled using temporal data attributes to enhance the visualisation.
- GIS visualisations of secondary data such as government data about deprivation can be used to support fieldwork enquiry.
Keywords
Georeferenced - information which has been tied to a particular location (geolocated), using an agreed system such as latitude and longitude
Bearing - an angle measured clockwise from north 0° to 359°, used to orientate attribute symbols to show direction
Attribute - a data value associated with a feature or variable measure (‘field’) in a GIS layer
Common misconception
Understanding IMD rankings and comparing them with primary data can be challenging.
Make sure students are aware of the challenges of ranking and other attributes where a low number can be a positive thing (similar issue with some measures of development such as IMD).
Teacher tip
No matter what your level of experience is with GIS, go through all the steps yourself first until you feel confident and fluent. Don't worry if you make a mistake, everybody does, even experienced practitioners!
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
Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
A statement you test through fieldwork
Data you collect yourself in the field
Data someone else has already collected
Q2.Why do geographers carry out fieldwork?
Q3.Which of these is primary data?
Q4.Which of these is secondary data?
Q5.What’s the purpose of a risk assessment?
Q6.Which method collects qualitative data?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with their description:
Tied to a location using latitude and longitude
Angle clockwise from north, 0° to 359°
Data value linked to a GIS feature
Q2.Which of these is a georeferenced source?
Q3.A bearing is measured clockwise from .
Q4.Why might IMD rankings be hard to understand in GIS?
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Using GIS for human geography fieldwork, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Using GIS for human geography fieldwork, 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 Fieldwork investigation unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.