What is GIS?

We can think of a geographic information system (GIS) as an advanced and interactive map. It is a tool which allows us to organise and visualise data in new and practical ways. It allows us to place layer upon layer of data over a basemap made up of real localities.

Many industries have benefited in some way from GIS, and its ability to unravel global and social issues is increasingly being recognised. It is extremely likely that students will come into contact with some kind of GIS during their lifetime therefore the earlier students familiarise themselves with it the better.

Activity Ideas

It is important to be able to collect fieldwork data, present it and analyse it. With the activity outlined below students take photographs whilst out on fieldwork, then plot the photos on a map and analyse what the results show. The students would be investigating whether Winchester fits Burgess' modal of urban land use. Once they have done this they are going to produce their own land use models.

Students are shown a copy of the Burgess model and told that they are going to compare Winchester to Burgess' model.

Students go to Google Maps. They then plot their photos onto a map and analyse it to see whether it fits with Burgess' predictions. As an extension activity students could create their own land use model of Winchester.

A plenary activity could involve pupils showing the rest of the class their model and the class voting on which one was the best and why.