What is GIS? What is GIS?A geographical information system (GIS) has the ability to store, retrieve, manipulate and analyse a range of spatially related data. GIS handles data quickly and efficiently, enabling users to produce cartographic work that may have taken many hours to complete using traditional, manual, techniques. Amazing GIS fact: “There are more cartographers employed in Britain today than at any other time in recorded history”.

The Growing importance of GIS KS3 The new National Curriculum programme of study has a clearer focus on developing the skills, and pays particularly attention to the development of map skills – both making and interpreting, as this is a key skill not thoroughly covered in any other area of the curriculum. The use of ICT remains central, with a specific commitment made for the first time to ensuring students have experienced and used GIS programmes.

These are the essential skills and processes in geography that pupils need to learn to make progress. 2.1 Geographical enquiry Pupils should be able to: collect, record and display information find creative ways of using and applying geographical skills and understanding to create new interpretations of place and space 2.3 Graphicacy and visual literacy Pupils should be able to: use atlases maps at a range of scales, photographs, satellite images construct maps and plans at a variety of scales, using graphical techniques to present evidence. 4. Curriculum opportunities Pupils should be able to: d. use varied resources, including maps, visual media and geographical information systems f. make links between geography and other subjects, including citizenship and ICT. The Growing importance of GIS

KS4 The majority of the new specifications being implemented from this September make specific reference to GIS. What with the growing popularity of themed studied it is unlikely that any Geography student from 2009 will complete their GCSE course without having significant experience of GIS applications. Fieldwork can be enhanced using GIS: AQA mark schemes for fieldwork states that to achieve a level 3 a candidate must ‘use accurately a range of complex techniques, some of which are ICT based, to develop and present information’.

Use planning overlays or historical maps to illustrate urban change Add photos or pictures to make case studies more interesting