Software and Online GIS
There is a range of software that can show the capabilities of GIS. Some have a few GIS tools and functions, but are limited in several ways. Others are full GIS programs that are used commercially. This section provides ideas and links to web sites that aim to help make decisions about what software best meets different needs. The brief comments about each item need to be followed up by looking at the complete descriptions of each product on the various web sites.
GIS Software
An easy to use, entry level GIS. Recommended for Key Stage 3 and GCSE. DigitalWorlds has been specially designed to help teachers and students explore, analyse and understand the world around them.
ArcView
ArcView 9.3 is a more advanced GIS, completely compatible with DigitalWorlds. Once a school has become familiar with DigitalWorlds it may wish to progress to ArcView to allow students to carry out more sophisticated GIS analysis.
Local Studies (For Primary)
Local Studies is a mapping program that can help teach some basics of GIS to students in primary schools. It makes a bridge between basic drawing programs such as MSPaint and the idea of mapping using digital technologies. Students can draw maps using signs or symbols, use layers, attach data and images to points and use measuring tools.
ULearn by Infomapper
This is a map resource with a range of GIS tools and functions. It is an online resource that allows access to a wide range of maps and other images.
This GIS program was designed for use in schools. It is a flexible mapping product that can give a sound grounding in the principles of full commercial GIS programs. Samples of its use are available on the company web site. An Aegis 3 viewer with limited functions can be downloaded free.
The Vista map program gives entry level program to develop GIS skills. The program can be used to work with digital maps and vertical air photos.
A version of Google Earth is available free to download. It has tools and functions that locate places accurately, to make measurements, draw and show layers, to link some types of data to places on maps and others. Google Earth Pro is an advanced version that can be bought.
Examples of online GIS
Multi-Agency Geographic Information in the Countryside (MAGIC)
This site gives students access to information about different aspects of the countryside through maps that have GIS functions. The topics include land use, habitats, coastal and marine conservation amongst others.
This website is an example of a GIS that students can use online. The site gives data on maps about different types of crime in the West Midlands. Data for particular places can be searched by post code.
The Environment Agency Floodline
This site also provides maps that can be searched by post code. There is plenty of information about flood risks, as well as other layers of information about waste, air pollution and other topics.
Several local government authorities have web sites that have interactive maps with GIS functions. The Surrey County Council site gives information about the location of different types of services in the authority.
Guides and Reviews
Digital Explorer: Virtual Fieldwork Using Google Earth
This is a manual on the range of ways in which Google Earth can be used in the context of fieldwork. It can be downloaded free from the company website. The ideas can be applied to any work in geography. The emphasis is on how the GIS tools and functions can be used, such as creating placemarks. The manual includes information about how GPS co-ordinates can be linked to the program.
Getting started with GIS .. online … GIS in the world of work
GA Magazine: David Mitchell, Spring 2008
GA members can access this article which gives guidance to teachers on how students can be introduced to some of the ways that GIS can help solve problems in 'real world' situations, such as in solving crime, managing the spread of disease and in finding a house. These are all done through open access web sites.
The application of web-based GIS in geography teaching
Teaching Geography: Peter O'Connor, Spring 2009
This article explores ways in which online sites can be used to devise geography lessons that include elements of GIS. A range of websites is provided, for example, UK local government sites that have interactive maps.
Software Evaluations on the RGS-IBG website
This site gives a set of tables on which a range of GIS products are described and evaluated, for example, for curriculum relevance, functionality, ease of use and installation. Note that some of this information may need to be updated, especially for prices.
Two Reviews on Teachers TV:
Google Earth and ArcVoyager Special Edition
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