Computer simulations can represent real or imaginary situations. They allow users to study or try things that would be difficult or impossible to do in real life.

Geography Simulations online

Bekonscot Virtual village
Build a model village online.
Click on a building or feature, then click on the map to place it. Click on the train to send it on its way and then other trains will appear. On the Options tab, you can turn off the irritating background sound, but you have to do this each time.

www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone hosts GIS Zone, which features a series of role-play missions to help youngsters understand and enjoy working with digital map data. Pupils can try their hand at stopping flood waters rising, learn how to manage a farm, and decide where to site wind turbines. The real-life scenarios show how vital GIS is in the modern world.

Dumptown A recycling simulation