World Geography: Patterns

Geographic Tools: GIS and GPS

Enduring Understandings Learning Targets
Human and physical patterns influence societies Students will examine the different types of geospatial technology and
describe their impacts.
Concepts Important to Know and Understand Broad Brush Knowledge
Geographic tools GIS, GPS
TEKS
20A Describe the impact of new information technologies such as the Internet Global Positioning system GPS or Geographic Information Systems GIS
21A Analyze and evaluate the validity and utility of multiple sources of geographic information such as primary and secondary sources aerial photographs
and maps

Talk # 1: Discuss the following question with your group: How do you use technology to locate things?
Read: Read independently pages 21-25 in the textbook. Pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of
geospatial technology and its additional uses and take notes on the attached chart. When you are finished reading,
you will be asked to discuss your findings with your group.
Talk # 2: Discuss with your group the questions in the envelope provided to you.
Write: Using your notes and discussion reflections, complete the writing activity.

GIS GPS
Define in your own
words

Advantages

Disadvantages

What are some

additional uses of
these technologies?

Image Analysis

1) Review the image on page 22. How can wildlife biologists use GPS technology to protect
endangered species?

2) Review the diagram on page 23. What questions could a geographer answer using the layers of
information in this sample GIS file?

Updated 8/2/2016