GIS allows users to store, manipulate, and analyze spatial data represented in layers. It underpins data with vector locations that can then be plotted to show information geographically. Users can ask questions of spatially-related data, search for patterns and distributions, and investigate relationships between different data sets. How data is displayed through options like color, size, and classification can influence the patterns seen. It is important to consider who created data sets and how current they are.

1. Edexcel Unit 2: David Holmes, Principal Examiner

2. “ GIS has the ability to store, retrieve, manipulate and analyse a range of spatially related data” Its all about layers of spatial information that can be turned on or off. True GIS is underpinned by a vast dataset with gives the locations (‘vectors’) of particular values. This allows the software then to plot information. Even the free web-based GIS works like this, except that the user has very much less control over the actual software and cannot easily interrogate the data set. So, the GIS user can: ask questions of data related to the map search for patterns and distributions investigate the underlying relationships between different sets of data

3. There are lots of places that you can experience this on the internet Simple is fine! Lots of resources, e.g. Teachers TV

5. Using GPS and GIS to find routes in a car – ‘Tom Tom’

6. Google maps/ earth – free online GIS Yellow pins are placemarks Student photos added along transects Coloured transect lines added

7. GE Graph can be used to create your on ‘kml’ overlays of graphical data

9. An operator may choose display options which completely hide or over emphasise spatial patterns. Colour, symbol size, method of data classification, number of classes, data aggregation are all factors which are manipulated in the production of maps. Who created the data set – and why. Age of data?

10. building lake river woodland Real World Low spatial resolution Higher spatial resolution At what spatial resolution do we represent places? What are potential implications of this choice?

11. Big issues if used to determine practice / policy! Type of burglary? How reported / recorded? Resolution of mapping data Burglary hotspots probation

12. What do we mean by VF? Google Earth (including ‘Street maps’, Mapping software, e.g. Anquet Maps, Memory Map, Aegis Use as a top-up tool Allows more ‘coverage’ – use simulations and suggestions (there is a lot of overlap in the specification). RESOURCE EFFICIENT