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Year 10 - Geography

Using GIS to visualise climate change impacts

Climate change

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about the evidence, causes and impacts of climate change. Pupils learn that climate change is not just a recent trend but that it has occurred natuarlly over geological time. Pupils will also learn about the strategic options associated with mitigation and adaptation.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use 2D and 3D GIS to visualise climate change impacts.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Glacial landforms are not created by climate change.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key 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.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. '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).

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Glacial landforms are not created by climate change. Correction: 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.

More Lessons In This Unit

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