This document provides information about using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) in geography classrooms. It discusses reasons to use GIS, including being highlighted in geography specifications and teaching important skills. Teachers are encouraged to start with questions they want to answer and see if GIS can help. Examples of using GIS at different key stages and for topics like natural hazards are provided. Free and easy-to-use online GIS tools are described, including Google Earth, Many Eyes, and hurricane data from NOAA. The document encourages asking questions and sharing experiences using GIS in the classroom.

1. 10/11/2012
“Writing the Earth” with GIS
Free GIS in the
Geography Classroom
Alan Parkinson a.parkinson@gmail.com
Freelance Geographer
VITAL Geography Portal Manager @GeoBlogs
GIS =
Geographical “…a digital map, data located on
the map, and a software
Information application (GIS) that links the two
together”
Systems
Diana Freeman (2004)
First GIS ?
Source: ESRI
Bringing your maps to life...
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Why use GIS ? 1 Why use GIS ? 2
• Pupils need to learn what GIS is, but
• Highlighted within the relevant as a way of exploring geography. This
specifications should be through using it, rather
• A need for pupils to be skilled in than learning about the software.
this area (‘vocational’) • Ideally start with something that the
• Natural link to enquiry, and use pupils are already confident (and
of ICT to display and interrogate competent) in using
data • There should be some plan for
progression
GI = Geographical Information Start with the questions
that you want to answer...
What information do
you have ? If GIS can help, then this
might be an opportunity to
What do you want to use it...
do with it ?
Teachers were seen to promote
creative learning most purposefully
and effectively when encouraging
pupils to question and challenge,
make connections and see
relationships, speculate, keep options
open while pursuing a line of enquiry,
and reflect critically on ideas, actions
and results.
OFSTED Geography Subject Report
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ONLINE CPD course… GIS at all key stages in geography...
CPD & Events section of GA website
disaster management / planning /
water / land reclamation / energy
/ resources
= more VISUALISATION 1: Google Earth
• 1 billion FREE downloads
• Historical imagery
• Millions of files shared by users
• Placemarks can hold text, images, video or audio
– also produce graphs with embed code –
= ‘full’ GIS recording fieldwork…
• http://dexautomation.com/googlechartgenerator.php
https://sites.google.com/site/ncge2011/
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http://www.merkador.com Gavin Brock’s OS Layer
• Quiz – introduces the tools that you can use…
2: Many Eyes World Maps available...
Many Eyes
Visualisation Tool
Uses ESRI map data
A project of IBM
http://manyeyes.alphaworks.ibm.com/manyeyes
How it works Data entry is in Excel format
1. Login – free and very quick.... Web sourced or “student derived”...
2. Click CREATE VISUALISATION
3. Upload or choose data set
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Selecting regions on world map Zoom into the maps to see detail
shows data... using mouse scroll wheel...
Can show multiple maps if there are Sample UK Map...
multiple columns of data...
3: Hurricanes NOAA:
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/hurricanes
• In Hurricane season, so now is the time to
teach about them…
• Natural Hazards – link with management /
resilience / flooding / longer term impacts
e.g. Katrina
• Naming conventions
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Data on map Questions
• Queries – ask questions (answer questions..) • Which GIS do you use ?
• Layers – images / polygons / images • What are the barriers to embedding GIS that
• Stories – recording voices and embedding you have come up against ?
them into bookmarks • What solutions have you found that haven’t
been mentioned ?
Keep in touch and I will do what I can to source
appropriate data for you…
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