Year 7 - Geography
GIS: Analysing the distribution of the world's population
Population: where do people live?
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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 the changing size and distribution of the world's population and how these can be affected by factors such as migration. Through examining a range of examples, pupils will develop an understanding of how countries react to different population challenges.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use a geographic information system (GIS) to investigate population data and alayse world popluation distribution.
Key Notes
- A GIS allows us to store and display data on a digital map.
- A GIS can be used to investigate population data within a country and across the world.
- Maps of the world's 'human footprint' show us information on where people live and where has been impacted by humans.
- GIS can be used to help explain the world's human footprint.
Vocabulary To Learn
- geographic information system: a GIS (geographic information system) is a computer mapping system that captures, and displays geographic data to help understand spatial patterns.
- population distribution: describes how the people in a population are spread out across an area
- population density: the number of people living in a defined area, e.g. 300 people per square kilometre.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- GIS web maps are only a tool for visualising geographical patterns in data; they can't help us explain geographical patterns.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.
A GIS allows us to store and display data on a digital map. A GIS can be used to investigate population data within a country and across the world.
2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'geographic information system'
a GIS (geographic information system) is a computer mapping system that captures, and displays geographic data to help understand spatial patterns.
3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.
Mistake: GIS web maps are only a tool for visualising geographical patterns in data; they can't help us explain geographical patterns. Correction: GIS are a useful tool to visualise, interpret and analyse geographical data. This means they can be used to explain geographical patterns by comparing different layers.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Diversity and change in the local area Study Guide
- GIS: Analysing the population of the UK Study Guide
- Migration around the world Study Guide
- Migration in the UK Study Guide
- Our global population Study Guide
- Population challenges: ageing populations Study Guide
- Population challenges: overpopulation and underpopulation Study Guide
- Population density Study Guide
- Population structure Study Guide
- The future of the world's population Study Guide
- The population of the UK Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Geography guide library.