Lesson Note on Geographic Information System Data: Sources and Field Collection for SSS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 10
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Geography
Curriculum Theme: Geographic Techniques and Environmental Management
Previous Lesson: Geo-Political Issues: Land Reclamation Methods and Importance.
Topic: Geographic Information System (GIS) Data
Subject Matter: GIS data meaning, data sources from land survey, data sources from remote sensing, data sources from map digitalization, data sources from scanning, data sources from field investigation, data sources from tabled data, collecting geographic data using various methods.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

• Define GIS data.
• Identify various sources of GIS data.
• Explain different methods of collecting geographic data.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of accurate data in GIS.
• Show interest in the application of GIS in real-world scenarios.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Outline the steps involved in collecting geographic data using different methods.
• Distinguish between different types of GIS data sources.

Social Domain:

• Discuss the collaborative nature of GIS data collection.
• Share ideas on the relevance of GIS data in community development.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Senior Secondary Geography by Onwumere, A. (2018)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Maps
• Satellite images
• GPS device (if available)
• Charts showing data collection methods
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand where the information used in Geographic Information Systems comes from and how it is gathered. Understanding GIS data sources enables pupils to appreciate how geographic information is created and used to solve real-world problems in areas like urban planning and environmental management.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of maps, data, and the concept of geography from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Geographic Information System (GIS) Data

Definition of GIS Data

GIS data refers to information that describes the real world in a geographic context. It is composed of both spatial data (showing location and shape) and attribute data (describing characteristics of features at those locations).

Sources of GIS Data and Collection Methods

Geographic data for GIS can be collected from various sources using different methods:

• Land Survey: This involves direct measurement on the Earth’s surface using instruments to determine the exact positions of features.
  • Method: Surveyors use equipment like Total Stations, Theodolites, and GPS receivers to measure angles, distances, and elevations, recording these measurements as coordinates.
• Remote Sensing: This is the process of acquiring information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with it.
  • Method: Data is collected by sensors mounted on satellites or aircraft, which capture electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted from the Earth’s surface. Examples include satellite imagery and aerial photographs.
• Map Digitalization: This is the process of converting analog map data (paper maps) into digital format for use in a GIS.
  • Method: This can be done manually by tracing features on a digitizing tablet or on-screen using a computer mouse, or automatically using specialized software that converts scanned images into vector data.
• Scanning: This involves using a scanner to convert physical maps, aerial photographs, or other graphic documents into raster image files.
  • Method: A scanner captures the image as a grid of pixels, creating a digital representation of the original document. These raster images can then be used as background layers in GIS or further processed for feature extraction.
• Field Investigation: This involves direct observation and data collection on the ground by researchers or surveyors.
  • Method: Information is gathered through direct measurements, interviews, observations, and the use of portable GPS devices to record the exact locations and attributes of features.
• Tabled Data: This refers to existing non-spatial data, often in tabular form, that can be linked to geographic features in a GIS.
  • Method: Data such as census statistics, weather records, population demographics, or economic indicators, which may contain geographic identifiers (e.g., local government area names, street addresses), are imported and linked to spatial layers in the GIS based on these common identifiers.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews the previous lesson on the introduction to GIS. The teacher then asks pupils what they understand by ‘data’ and ‘information’, connecting it to geographic features.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and recall previous knowledge.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and connect it to prior learning.

Step 2: Definition of GIS Data

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines GIS data, explaining the concepts of spatial and attribute data with simple examples (e.g., a road’s location is spatial data, its name and number of lanes are attribute data). The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarity, and copy the definition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what GIS data is and its two main components.

Step 3: Sources of GIS Data (Land Survey and Remote Sensing)

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains land survey as a source of GIS data, mentioning instruments like GPS and Total Stations. The teacher then explains remote sensing, showing satellite images or aerial photographs as examples, and discusses how data is collected without direct contact.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the examples, ask questions, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils identify land survey and remote sensing as GIS data sources and understand their collection methods.

Step 4: Sources of GIS Data (Map Digitalization and Scanning)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains map digitalization, demonstrating (or describing) how paper maps are converted into digital format. The teacher also explains scanning as a method to create raster images from physical documents, highlighting their use in GIS.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe, and understand the processes of converting analog data to digital.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about map digitalization and scanning as methods for acquiring GIS data.

Step 5: Sources of GIS Data (Field Investigation and Tabled Data)

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains field investigation, emphasizing direct observation and the use of GPS for data collection. The teacher then discusses tabled data, explaining how existing statistical data can be linked to geographic features in a GIS.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in discussions, relate concepts to real-world examples, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils identify field investigation and tabled data as additional sources and understand their respective collection approaches.

Step 6: Collecting Geographic Data Using Various Methods

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Synthesis/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the various methods of collecting geographic data discussed, reinforcing the idea that the choice of method depends on the type of data needed and the resources available. The teacher may ask pupils to suggest which method would be best for a given scenario (e.g., mapping school facilities vs. monitoring deforestation).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils recap the methods and apply their understanding to practical scenarios.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of different data collection methods and their practical application.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Define GIS data.
2. List four sources of GIS data.
3. Explain how data is collected through remote sensing.
4. Mention two instruments used in land surveying for data collection.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of diverse data sources for effective GIS. The teacher then assigns homework: “Research and write a short paragraph on how GIS data is used in urban planning in Nigeria.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given an opportunity for further research.

Lesson Keywords

• GIS – Geographic Information System, a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographical data.
• Spatial Data – Data that defines the geographic location and shape of features.
• Attribute Data – Non-spatial information that describes the characteristics of a geographic feature.
• Remote Sensing – The acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with it.
• Digitalization – The process of converting analog data (like paper maps) into digital format.
• Field Investigation – Direct observation and data collection on the ground.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research specific GIS software applications. For those needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified diagrams of data collection processes and offer one-on-one explanations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure visual aids like maps and satellite images are readily available to enhance understanding. If a GPS device is available, a brief demonstration of its function would be beneficial. Encourage pupils to relate GIS data sources to their local environment.