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Year 10
AQA

Using GIS to visualise the distribution and characteristics of global biomes

I can use GIS webmaps and filters to visualise the distribution and characteristics of global biomes.

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Year 10
AQA

Using GIS to visualise the distribution and characteristics of global biomes

I can use GIS webmaps and filters to visualise the distribution and characteristics of global biomes.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Global biomes can be easily mapped using shared GIS layers in webmaps.
  2. Basemaps can be selected to improve the visualisation and links to prior geographical knowledge.
  3. GIS layers can help to visualise the spatial distribution of global biomes more clearly.
  4. Filters and transparency sliders can be used to toggle biome layers and explain their spatial distribution.

Keywords

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

  • Webmap - a digital map which is available online. It will usually be interactive or can be created or saved by the user online (‘in the cloud’)

  • Spatial distribution - the spread of information (data) across an area, creating spatial patterns which geographers attempt to describe, explain and analyse

  • Filter - the selection of some data in a GIS layer to visualise spatial patterns more clearly

Common misconception

An attractive basemap is important.

A basemap is a backdrop to support the visualisation of data, so it doesn't necessarily need to be attractive. Sometimes a very bland basemap is the most effective because it provides contrast with the layer of spatial data.


To help you plan your year 10 geography lesson on: Using GIS to visualise the distribution and characteristics of global biomes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You can familiarise yourself with the activities by watching the 'GIS guides' included in this lesson.
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Teacher tip
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Equipment

Access to ArcGIS Online. For this lesson, it is not essential to log on to ArcGIS Online, but it would be desirable because the work can be saved to 'Content'. If not logged on printing is an option.

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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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
A biome is a large-scale global .
Correct Answer: ecosystem
Q2.
Examples of global biomes would include ...
cities
Correct answer: deserts
grasslands
Correct answer: ponds
Correct answer: rainforests
Q3.
Which word is used to mean the geographical spread of something such as population or type of vegetation?
attribution
contribution
Correct answer: distribution
function
precipitation
Q4.
Which word is often used by geographers to describe the pattern of something across a map?
circular pattern
holding pattern
picture pattern
Correct answer: spatial pattern
triangular pattern
Q5.
Which term is used to describe a map which is saved electronically, often online?
critical map
Correct answer: digital map
equal map
paper map
sketch map
Q6.
Which of the following are examples of digital maps?
A map in a textbook.
Correct answer: An online map showing the tracks of aircraft.
Correct answer: A store locator map on a supermarket website.
A paper map showing theme park ride locations.
Correct answer: The satnav in a vehicle.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which term means the spread of information (data) across an area?
distribution centre
filter distribution
Correct answer: spatial distribution
transparency distribution
Q2.
Which of the following is a webmap?
hand-drawn map in an exercise book
Correct answer: interactive map on a website
Correct answer: online digital map
spider diagram
text book map
Q3.
Match the following terms with the correct definition.
Correct Answer:basemap,background for GIS layers
tick

background for GIS layers

Correct Answer:filter,selection of data in a GIS layer
tick

selection of data in a GIS layer

Correct Answer:GIS layer,a set of spatial data
tick

a set of spatial data

Correct Answer:toggle,to switch a GIS layer on or off
tick

to switch a GIS layer on or off

Correct Answer:transparency slider,enables fading of a layer
tick

enables fading of a layer

Correct Answer:webmap,digital map online
tick

digital map online

Q4.
Which basemap will most effectively visualise the global biomes GIS layer?
Correct answer: Dark blue (e.g. Imagery)
Light blue (e.g. Oceans)
Pale colours (e.g. Topographic)
Pale grey (e.g. Light Gray)
Legend
Q5.
Which tool enables us to select some data in a GIS layer to visualise spatial patterns more clearly?
basemap
Correct answer: filter
legend
selecter
transparency slider
Q6.
Sort the steps needed to use a transparency slider to compare GIS layers.
1 - open Layers panel
2 - click on a layer name
3 - click on 'Show properties' for the chosen layer
4 - scroll down in the layer's 'Properties' panel
5 - stop scrolling down at 'Transparency'
6 - move the transparency slider between 0% and 100%

Additional material

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