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Year 7

GIS: Analysing the population of the UK

I can use a GIS to analyse the distribution and structure of the UK's population.

icon-background-square
New
New
Year 7

GIS: Analysing the population of the UK

I can use a GIS to analyse the distribution and structure of the UK's population.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A GIS can be used to visualise and analyse the UK population.
  2. A GIS can allow us to analyse the population density and age profile of the UK.
  3. There are limitations with all GIS applications.
  4. A GIS can be used to investigate changes in the UK population over time.

Keywords

  • Population density - the number of people living in a defined area, e.g. 300 people per square kilometre

  • Census - the official collection of data about a whole population

  • GIS - (geographic information system) is a computer system that captures, and displays geographic data to help understand spatial patterns

Common misconception

GIS can only show one set of data.

GIS can show multiple layers of data as well as change over time.


To help you plan your year 7 geography lesson on: GIS: Analysing the population of the UK, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

ONS census maps allow pupils to analyse population data in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland both have freely available census maps that can be used in learning cycle 1. For learning cycle 2, all pupils should use the England and Wales census map or another GIS platform.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

Computers, tablets or laptops with an internet connection.

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the approximate population of the UK in 2025?
50 thousand
Correct answer: 68 million
1 billion
Q2.
Which part of the UK has the highest population?
Scotland
Wales
Correct answer: England
Q3.
Which city has the largest population in the UK?
Manchester
Correct answer: London
Birmingham
Q4.
What is population density?
The total number of people in a country.
Correct answer: The number of people per square kilometre.
The number of cities in a country.
The number of births per year.
Q5.
How is the UK's population expected to change in the future?
Correct answer: It is expected to grow but at a slower rate.
It will rapidly increase.
It will stay the same.
Q6.
What is the main reason for an ageing population in the UK?
Higher birth rates
Increased migration
Correct answer: Longer life expectancy
Correct answer: Lower birth rates

4 Questions

Q1.
What does GIS stand for?
General Internet Services
Global Information Studies
Correct answer: Geographic Information System
Q2.
How can GIS help in studying the UK's population?
It predicts exact future population numbers.
It replaces the need for censuses.
Correct answer: It allows us to visualise and map population patterns.
Q3.
Which part of the UK has the highest population density?
Correct answer: South East England
Scotland
Wales
Q4.
What type of map does GIS use to show population density?
Political map
Correct answer: Choropleth map
Road map

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