Event Title
Telling Stories: Designing Effective Data Visualization and Climate Change Communication Tools
Presentation Abstract
As a scientific community, our understanding of the potential effects of a changing climate has increased dramatically over the past decade. We are integrating multiple models with increasing sophistication and projecting impacts at the local scale. But the results of our scientific data and analysis are only as good as their presentation to the public and other decision-makers. Telling the stories of our work using technology and thoughtful, accurate, and visually compelling graphics is paramount in today’s information-rich environment. MacIlroy Consulting, Inc. and Environmental Science Associates (ESA) collaborated to develop data visualization and communication tools for the Skagit Climate Science Consortium (SC2) to communicate projected changes in flood conditions in the Skagit River watershed. SC2 is a nonprofit organization composed of a group of scientists working in partnership with local people to assess, plan, and adapt to climate related impacts. Currently, SC2 member scientists from federal, municipal, tribal, and university organizations are working together to assess, model, and project how the Skagit River watershed may be affected by changes in the patterns of rain, snow, temperature, storms, and tides. To tell the stories of their research and findings, ESA and Carol MacIlroy worked closely with SC2 scientists to produce dynamic flood visualization tools that allow people to interact with sea level rise and flood modeling scenarios for the Skagit river system. In order to help communicate the impact of major floods on communities, the team produced a set of photo visual simulations of flooding at recognizable locations in the Skagit Valley. The team also developed a range of case studies and infographics presenting user-friendly understandings of key climate change issues in the Skagit River watershed such as changes in glaciers, rising winter freezing levels, sediment movement, and sea level rise.
Session Title
Salish Sea Studies: An integrating context for teaching, research, and community engagement
Conference Track
Engagement
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
2016 12:00 AM
End Date
2016 12:00 AM
Location
2016SSEC
Type of Presentation
Oral
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Climatic changes--Case studies; Climatic changes--Study and teaching; Communication in the environmental sciences
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Included in
Fresh Water Studies Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons
Telling Stories: Designing Effective Data Visualization and Climate Change Communication Tools
2016SSEC
As a scientific community, our understanding of the potential effects of a changing climate has increased dramatically over the past decade. We are integrating multiple models with increasing sophistication and projecting impacts at the local scale. But the results of our scientific data and analysis are only as good as their presentation to the public and other decision-makers. Telling the stories of our work using technology and thoughtful, accurate, and visually compelling graphics is paramount in today’s information-rich environment. MacIlroy Consulting, Inc. and Environmental Science Associates (ESA) collaborated to develop data visualization and communication tools for the Skagit Climate Science Consortium (SC2) to communicate projected changes in flood conditions in the Skagit River watershed. SC2 is a nonprofit organization composed of a group of scientists working in partnership with local people to assess, plan, and adapt to climate related impacts. Currently, SC2 member scientists from federal, municipal, tribal, and university organizations are working together to assess, model, and project how the Skagit River watershed may be affected by changes in the patterns of rain, snow, temperature, storms, and tides. To tell the stories of their research and findings, ESA and Carol MacIlroy worked closely with SC2 scientists to produce dynamic flood visualization tools that allow people to interact with sea level rise and flood modeling scenarios for the Skagit river system. In order to help communicate the impact of major floods on communities, the team produced a set of photo visual simulations of flooding at recognizable locations in the Skagit Valley. The team also developed a range of case studies and infographics presenting user-friendly understandings of key climate change issues in the Skagit River watershed such as changes in glaciers, rising winter freezing levels, sediment movement, and sea level rise.
