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Year 10 - Geography

Using GIS for human geography fieldwork

Fieldwork investigation

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about fieldwork, an important assessment component at GCSE. Pupils will learn about the six stages of enquiry (formulating a question; collecting, presenting and analysing data; and writing conclusions and an evaluation). Pupils will also consider four field study options.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use GIS to visualise and analyse human geography fieldwork data.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Understanding IMD rankings and comparing them with primary data can be challenging.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key 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.

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

information which has been tied to a particular location (geolocated), using an agreed system such as latitude and longitude.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Understanding IMD rankings and comparing them with primary data can be challenging. Correction: 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).

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Geography guide library.