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Year 10 - Geography

Using GIS to visualise data in a webmap

Geographical and statistics skills

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about geographical skills. Pupils will learn how to identify, describe and analyse atlas and OS maps at different scales. They will also learn how to construct and interpret photos, diagrams, graphs and thematic maps. Pupils will also learn numerical and statistical skills.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to visualise data in a webmap using basemaps, filters and buffers.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students will sometimes select basemaps because they like their appearance.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key 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.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'geographic information system'

GIS: a computer-based system that captures, visualises and analyses geographic data to help understand spatial patterns.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students will sometimes select basemaps because they like their appearance. Correction: 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.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Geography guide library.