Using GIS to visualise data in a webmap
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can visualise data in a webmap using basemaps, filters and buffers.
Key learning points
- GIS can be used to add and visualise georeferenced data in a webmap.
- GIS uses a variety of basemaps which need to be selected carefully to visualise data effectively.
- GIS uses filters to select data in a layer to visualise spatial patterns more clearly and avoid cluttering a webmap.
- GIS uses tools such as buffers to create visualisations which support analysis of data.
Keywords
Geographic information system - GIS: a computer-based system that captures, visualises and analyses geographic data to help understand spatial patterns
Webmap - an online GIS map which is often interactive or can be created or saved by the user online (‘in the cloud’)
Basemap - a standalone foundational map used in GIS as a webmap background for other data layers to be added
Filter - the selection of data in a GIS layer to visualise spatial patterns more clearly and avoid cluttering a webmap
Buffer - in GIS, an area generated by analysis tools for a specified distance around a point, line or polygon feature
Common misconception
Students will sometimes select basemaps because they like their appearance.
Students need to appreciate that some of the basemaps which may be least appealing at first sight provide much more effective visualisation. They are like the canvas for a painting.
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
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
The average value of a set of numbers
The middle value in a set of ordered numbers
The number that appears most frequently
The difference between the highest and lowest values
Q2.Which of these is a discrete data type?
Q3.What type of graph is best for showing changes over time?
Q4.Scatter graphs are useful for showing the between two variables.
Q5.Which of the following shows categorical data?
Q6.What is an anomaly in a data set?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
A computer system that analyses geographic data
A map made and viewed online with interactive layers
A visual background for layers in a GIS
A way to reduce clutter by showing selected data only
An area created around a feature by a set distance
Q2.Which of the following is not a good reason to apply a filter?
Q3.What is one limitation of using highly detailed basemaps in GIS analysis?
Q4.Why should students not choose a basemap just because it looks nice?
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Using GIS to visualise data in a webmap, 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 data in a webmap, 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 Geographical and statistics skills unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.