Year 10 - Geography
Using GIS to visualise the impact of physical and human processes on coasts
Coastal landscapes
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit teaches pupils about coastal processes and landforms. Pupils will learn about the physical processes operating at the coast and about the formation of distinctive landforms of coastal erosion and deposition. Pupils will also learn about the importance and options of coastal management.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use GIS aerial imagery and webmaps to visualise the impact of physical and human processes on coastal landscapes.
Key Notes
- GIS uses historical imagery to visualise and analyse how the coastline changes over time. This is called temporal data.
- GIS uses historical maps to analyse how the coastline changes using georeferenced older maps.
- GIS apps which enable visualisation of temporal data include Esri Wayback and NLS Maps.
- GIS apps use historical imagery and historical maps to visualise and measure change such as the rate of coastal erosion.
Vocabulary To Learn
- historical imagery: photographs from any time in the past which can be compared with more recent photographs including aerial, satellite or conventional
- temporal data: information which is tied to a particular point in time, so that data can be time-enabled (also known as spatiotemporal data)
- historical maps: maps from any time in the past which can be compared with more recent maps
- georeferenced: information which has been tied to a particular location (geolocated), using an agreed system such as latitude and longitude
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Confusion between similar sounding GIS tools in Esri Wayback; Use of 'Measure tools' in NLS Maps.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
GIS uses historical imagery to visualise and analyse how the coastline changes over time. This is called temporal data. GIS uses historical maps to analyse how the coastline changes using georeferenced older maps.
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'historical imagery'
photographs from any time in the past which can be compared with more recent photographs including aerial, satellite or conventional.
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: Confusion between similar sounding GIS tools in Esri Wayback; Use of 'Measure tools' in NLS Maps. Correction: CfU to clarify learning and procedures e.g. similar sounding GIS tools in Esri Wayback: 'Toggle Animate Mode' 'Toggle Swipe Mode'; careful use of 'Measure distance' tool in NLS Maps along with 'Swipe', ensuring line is perpendicular.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Change in a named coastal landscape Study Guide
- Costs and benefits of management strategies Study Guide
- Risks from coastal flooding Study Guide
- The effect of human activities on coastal landscapes Study Guide
- The influence of sediment transportation and deposition on coastal landscapes Study Guide
- The role of climate, marine and sub-aerial processes in coastal erosion Study Guide
- The role of geology in coastal erosion Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Geography guide library.