Year 10 - Geography
Using GIS to visualise the distribution and characteristics of global biomes
Global biomes
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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 ecosystems and biomes at different scales. Pupils learn about the factors influencing biome distribution and the physical systems and processes regulating them. Pupils will also learn about the impact of population growth and resource extraction on biomes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use GIS webmaps and filters to visualise the distribution and characteristics of global biomes.
Key Notes
- Global biomes can be easily mapped using shared GIS layers in webmaps.
- Basemaps can be selected to improve the visualisation and links to prior geographical knowledge.
- GIS layers can help to visualise the spatial distribution of global biomes more clearly.
- Filters and transparency sliders can be used to toggle biome layers and explain their spatial distribution.
Vocabulary To Learn
- geographic information system: a GIS (geographic information system) is a computer system that captures, analyses and displays geographic data to help understand spatial patterns
- webmap: a digital map which is available online. It will usually be interactive or can be created or saved by the user online ('in the cloud')
- spatial distribution: the spread of information (data) across an area, creating spatial patterns which geographers attempt to describe, explain and analyse
- filter: the selection of some data in a GIS layer to visualise spatial patterns more clearly
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- An attractive basemap is important.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
Global biomes can be easily mapped using shared GIS layers in webmaps. Basemaps can be selected to improve the visualisation and links to prior geographical knowledge.
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'geographic information system'
a GIS (geographic information system) is a computer system that captures, analyses and displays geographic data to help understand spatial patterns.
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: An attractive basemap is important. Correction: A basemap is a backdrop to support the visualisation of data, so it doesn't necessarily need to be attractive. Sometimes a very bland basemap is the most effective because it provides contrast with the layer of spatial data.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Geography guide library.