A-Level Geography Revision — GIS, Cartography & Remote Sensing Applications
Revise GIS, Cartography & Remote Sensing Applications for A-Level Geography with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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- GIS, Cartography & Remote Sensing Applications in A-Level Geography: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
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What is GIS, Cartography & Remote Sensing Applications?
This topic introduces students to the principles and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, and remote sensing. It covers how to use GIS to analyse spatial data and to create maps, and how to interpret images from satellites and other remote sensing platforms. The aim is to enable students to use these powerful tools to investigate geographical patterns and processes.
Board notes: An increasingly important topic for AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. All boards encourage the use of GIS and remote sensing in the NEA. There are many free and open-source GIS software packages available, such as QGIS, which students can use for their projects.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example
To investigate the relationship between deprivation and health in a city, a student could use GIS to map data on income levels and life expectancy for different areas of the city. They could then use the GIS to perform a spatial analysis, such as a correlation analysis, to determine whether there is a significant relationship between the two variables. The results could be presented in the form of a map, with a clear legend and title.
Practise this topic
Start with low-focus cards for GIS, Cartography & Remote Sensing Applications, then move into full exam-style practice when you want the heavier session.
Common mistakes
- 1Confusing vector and raster data in GIS.
- 2Not being able to correctly interpret a satellite image.
- 3Creating a map in GIS without including essential cartographic elements, such as a scale bar, a north arrow, and a legend.
GIS, Cartography & Remote Sensing Applications exam questions
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Frequently asked questions
What is GIS?
GIS is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth's surface. It can show many different kinds of data on one map, which enables people to more easily see, analyse, and understand patterns and relationships.
What is remote sensing?
Remote sensing is the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically from aircraft or satellites. It is used for a wide range of applications, including monitoring environmental change, mapping land use, and managing natural resources.