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

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Jan 1st, 12:00 AM Jan 1st, 12:00 AM

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.