Presenting fieldwork data and using GIS

Matching technique to data

• Line graph: only for continuous data where points are linked, such as change over time or along a transect.
• Bar chart: for discrete categories (survey answers, land-use types); divided (stacked) bars compare proportions between groups (e.g. locals and visitors).
• Pie chart: proportions of a whole, best with few categories.
• Scatter graph: the relationship between two variables, with a line of best fit; then test with Spearman's rank.
• Kite diagram: species abundance along a transect.
• Cross-section / beach profile drawn to scale.
• Box and whisker plot: median, quartiles and range for comparing sites.
• Radar diagram: multiple scores such as EQS criteria or Egan Wheel components.
• Maps: proportional symbols, located pie charts, choropleth maps, flow lines, annotated photo bases.

Common faults

The June 2024 mark scheme credited faults in a figure such as: an unsuitable line graph for discrete data, data hard to read, no neutral category, missing gridlines, the question not shown, unlabelled axes, and no distinction between locals and visitors. The examiners' report noted that repeating the same point earned only one mark. A bar chart was better because the data were discrete, with separate bars for each category or divided bars to compare proportions.

GIS

A geographical information system stores, displays and analyses located data in layers. Uses credited in January and June 2024: overlaying historic maps to measure erosion rates or land-use change (area change per year); geology maps for rock strength; mapping located results (e.g. pie charts of survey scores or tree heights at each site); mapping deprivation or rateable values; GIS apps to collect geotagged data and photos; analysis tools to group and count data. The examiners' report noted some candidates confused GIS with a spreadsheet.

Worked example

Students drew a line graph of how many people chose 'strongly agree', 'agree', 'disagree' and 'strongly disagree'. Explain why a bar chart would be better.

1. The categories are discrete; there are no values between 'agree' and 'disagree'.
2. A line graph implies a continuous change between points, which is misleading.
3. A bar chart shows each category separately, and divided bars could compare locals and visitors.

Answer: Discrete categories need separate bars, not a joined line.

Check yourself

1. Which technique best shows the relationship between distance from the sea and % plant cover?
   • Scatter graph
   • Pie chart
   • Divided bar chart
   • Radar diagram
   Show answer

   Scatter graph. Two numerical variables: scatter graph and line of best fit.

2. A kite diagram is especially useful for showing
   • proportions of a whole
   • traffic flows on a map
   • changes in species abundance along a transect
   • rainfall over a year
   Show answer

   changes in species abundance along a transect. Width shows abundance at each point.

3. Which is a fault in a fieldwork graph that would gain credit in Section C?
   • The y-axis is not labelled
   • It has a title
   • It uses a key
   • It has gridlines
   Show answer

   The y-axis is not labelled. Unlabelled axes were credited (June 2024).

4. Which is a valid use of GIS in a coastal investigation?
   • Typing results into a spreadsheet only
   • Measuring pebbles with callipers
   • Asking residents questions
   • Overlaying historic maps to calculate cliff retreat per year
   Show answer

   Overlaying historic maps to calculate cliff retreat per year. Credited in the June 2024 mark scheme.

5. A box and whisker plot shows
   • the mean only
   • the median, quartiles and range of a data set
   • the relationship between two variables
   • proportions as segments of a circle
   Show answer

   the median, quartiles and range of a data set. It summarises spread around the median.

6. Explain why a divided bar chart is suitable for comparing the views of locals and visitors.
   Show answer

   Each group gets its own bar divided into the proportion giving each answer, so differences in proportions between locals and visitors can be compared directly even if the group sizes differ.. Proportions and comparison.

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Sources

• Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level in Geography specification, Issue 3 (September 2025)
• Pearson WGE02/01 mark scheme, June 2024
• Pearson WGE02/01 examiners' report, June 2024
• Pearson WGE02/01 mark scheme, January 2024

Last updated 8 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.