The geographers behind the map

The aim of this resource is to show students the role that geographers play in preparing and responding to natural hazards. The resource has a map-skills focus to highlight the importance of geospatial data and GIS in humanitarian response to natural hazards. The geographical careers mentioned in this resource are all based on real life geographers working and living in the UK. 

The resource includes a series of student activities, a separate resource (a map of road status following the Myanmar earthquake 2025) and a document containing the job descriptions informing the student activity.

The map has been created by Map Action, and is available here: Myanmar, Earthquake, March 2025 - MapAction. Map Action have a wealth of maps from over 140 events, and you may wish to adapt this resource with alternative maps from their database.

The resource supports teachers in providing careers provision under Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers. For more information on the Gatsby Benchmarks, visit the Gatsby benchmarks of good career guidance

Links to specification 

GCSE links
Edexcel B: Component 1: Global Geographical Issues, 1.9 ‘Tectonic hazards affect people and are managed differently at contrasting locations’ 

AQA: Living with the physical environment, Section A: The challenge of natural hazards, specifically 3.1.1.2 

OCR B: Our Natural World, 1.2c ‘How does technology have the potential to save lives in hazard zones?’

WJEC: Key idea 3.2 Vulnerability and hazard reduction, specifically 3.2.2 ‘How might the risks associated with tectonic hazards be reduced?’ 

A Level links
AQA: 3.1.5 Hazards, specifically 3.1.5.4 ‘Seismic hazards; spatial distribution and risk management designed to reduce the impacts of a hazard through preparedness, mitigation, prevention and adaptation; ‘human responses as evidenced by a recent seismic event’ 

OCR: Topic 3.5 Hazardous Earth: 5. ‘What measures are available to help people cope with living in tectonically active locations?’, specifically 5.a to 5.c 

WJEC: Section A, 4.1: Tectonic Hazards, specifically 4.1.6 ‘Responses to earthquakes …’