Practical Geography — Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Age: 15 • Subject: Geography • Subtopic: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Context: Kenyan examples and field work

Specific Learning Outcomes

1. Explain GIS, GPS and Remote Sensing (RS) as geospatial technologies.
2. Describe components of GIS used in geo‑referencing information.
3. Examine the importance of GIS in geographical studies.
4. Apply GPS to locate key features in the locality.
5. Acknowledge the importance of GIS in day‑to‑day life.

Basic Concepts — simple and clear

What is GIS?

GIS (Geographic Information System) is a system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth's surface. It links maps (locations) with information (attributes) so we can ask questions like: Where are our water points? Which farming areas are flooded?

What is GPS?

GPS (Global Positioning System) uses satellites to give accurate positions (latitude and longitude or UTM coordinates). Most smartphones have GPS chips that you can use in the field to record points and tracks.

What is Remote Sensing (RS)?

Remote sensing means getting information about Earth from a distance — usually from satellites or drones. Satellite images show land cover, crops, forests, water and changes over time.

Components of a GIS (used in geo-referencing)

• Hardware: Computers, GPS devices, drones, scanners.
• Software: QGIS (free), ArcGIS (commercial), Google Earth, mobile apps.
• Data: Spatial (maps, coordinates) and attribute data (names, types, measurements). Spatial data can be vector (points, lines, polygons) or raster (images, satellite photos).
• People: Users who collect, manage and analyse data — e.g., students, surveyors, local leaders.
• Methods / Procedures: How to collect, verify and process data — includes geo‑referencing steps.
• Metadata & Standards: Information about data (who collected it, date, accuracy). Essential for trust and reuse.

Geo‑referencing — simple steps

1. Choose a reference system (latitude/longitude or UTM). In Kenya many maps use UTM with WGS84 datum.
2. Collect control points (known locations) using GPS or map grid points.
3. Assign coordinates to map features (points, lines, polygons) using software (e.g., QGIS or Google Earth).
4. Apply transformations if needed and check accuracy against control points.
5. Save the geo‑referenced map with metadata (date, device, accuracy).

Importance of GIS in geographical studies (with Kenyan examples)

• Mapping and planning: Helps plan roads, schools and housing (e.g., urban planning in Nairobi).
• Disaster management: Flood mapping in Tana River Basin, early-warning and evacuation routes.
• Resource management: Locating water points, grazing areas, forest reserves (useful for county governments).
• Agriculture: Mapping farms to advise on fertilizer, irrigation and remote sensing for crop health (smallholder coffee and tea farms in Kenya).
• Environmental monitoring: Track deforestation, wetlands, and wildlife corridors (important in Mau Forest and Rift Valley).
• Research and education: Students analyse land use change, produce maps for school projects and competitions.

Using GPS in the field — step by step (practical for age 15)

1. Prepare: Charge your phone or GPS device. Bring a notebook and a pen. If available, install a free app: e.g., Google Maps, OsmAnd, or a GPS logger.
2. Enable location: Turn on Location/GPS on the device. Allow high accuracy (use GPS + network).
3. Pick a reference system: Use latitude/longitude (decimal degrees) for easy sharing. Example: 1.2921° S, 36.8219° E (Nairobi).
4. Record points: Walk to the feature (school gate, water point, market stall) and save a waypoint or drop a pin. Write a short note: name, date, feature type, photo.
5. Take multiple readings: For better accuracy, record the point several times over a minute and average, or use the highest accuracy reading.
6. Export data: Export as KML, GPX or CSV if your app allows. Transfer files to a computer for mapping in QGIS or Google My Maps.
7. Check accuracy: Note the reported accuracy (e.g., ±5 m). Dense buildings or heavy canopy reduce accuracy.
8. Share results: Make a simple map of collected points and present findings in class with pictures and short explanations.

Simple in-class and field activities (Suggested Learning Experiences)

Activities are practical and suitable for Kenyan secondary schools (Form 3 / age 15).

• Field mapping (locality): In groups, map school features (gates, water points, toilets, playing grounds) with smartphones. Record name, use and a photo. Back in class create a map in Google My Maps or QGIS.
• Geocaching exercise: Hide small objects and give coordinates for other groups to find using GPS.
• Satellite image comparison: Use free satellite images (Google Earth) to compare land use now and 10 years ago. Discuss changes and reasons (e.g., expansion of towns, farming).
• Local problem mapping: Map a local issue: areas without clean water, garbage dumps, or flood-prone spots. Suggest solutions and present to the class or local leaders.
• Simple RS activity: Print or display a satellite image and ask pupils to classify land cover: built-up, water, forest, farmland.
• Use of QGIS (intro): Teacher demonstrates loading GPS points and satellite image, then creating a map legend and exporting a PDF map.

Assessment ideas

• Practical test: Each learner records 3 GPS points and produces a simple map with labels.
• Class presentation: Group presents a local map showing a problem and proposed solution using GIS outputs.
• Short written quiz: Define GIS, GPS, RS and name GIS components.
• Checklist: Accuracy of data collected, completeness of metadata (date, name, device), neatness of map.

Everyday importance of GIS (short summary)

GIS helps people navigate, plan services, deliver goods, manage resources and respond to disasters. In Kenya it supports county planning, farming advice, delivery services (e.g., locating addresses), and environmental protection — making life safer and planning easier.

Quick classroom checklist for a field session

• Charged devices and power bank
• Permission for field visit and safety plan
• GPS app installed and tested
• Group roles: navigator, recorder, photographer, leader
• Data sheet: feature name, type, coordinates, notes, accuracy

Note: Always respect private property and local rules. When mapping in communities, ask permission before taking photos or recording private features.