Geographical Association

Furthering the learning and teaching of geography

GIS in the Pilot GCSE

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GIS in Pilot

The pilot presents a welcome and exciting opportunity to explore the use of geographical information systems (GIS) with candidates. As a part of the DfES funded ‘Getting Started project’, the RGS-IBG commissioned work to explore the use of GIS in geographical education.

Within the Pilot GCSE, GIS can be used as a teaching tool for any theme or unit. Additionally there is a specific GIS option.

Information on a selection of providers and on material produced by the USGS is shown below.

A US perspective on GIS

Dr Joseph Kerski (e-mail Joseph or visit the Rocky Web site) serves as geographer for the US Geological Survey in Colorado, USA, has a passion for helping candidates to analyse the Earth, and has drawn our attention to two sites of interest in relation to GIS:

Global GIS project pages provide Europe-based lessons on earthquakes, population and water resources.
Geomatics, who provide training and loans of geo-positioning systems.

Using Aegis 3 in the Pilot GCSE

Diana Freeman (The Advisory Unit, Computers in Education) provides ideas for using Aegis 3 in the Pilot GCSE.

Ordnance Survey

Mapping News provides advice on the use of GIS. Copies can be downloaded from Ordnance Survey. Ordnance Survey has produced an excellent resource sheet Teachers Guide to GIS (available from the OS website), and in the interactive learning zone, The GIS Files provides case studies on the use of GIS.

MapsDirect and the Pilot GCSE

MapsDirect for Schools provides detailed mapping for England, Scotland and Wales. It requires no software or browser plug-ins and gives your school the benefits of GIS on a standard web browser and internet connection. Download information about this joint ESRI and Ordnance Survey initiative here.

ESRI ArcView software and supporting resources

ESRI (UK) believes that the GIS optional unit highlights the increasing extent to which GIS is used both in everyday life and in jobs and careers. ESRI (UK) offers to supply its ArcView Desktop GIS software free to all schools participating in the Pilot GCSE. The package includes videos, books and other teaching aids. Further information is available online - see ESRI and/or contact Angela Baker (tel: 07710 728165).

Digital Worlds GIS

Digital Worlds GIS incorporates a range of maps and datasets all tailored to individual schools. Supported by a range of lesson plans and bright ideas. It is an ideal tool for exploring geography, citizenship, and ICT, and can be applied to other curriculum areas.