Environmental data visualisation for non-scientific contexts: literature review and design framework

Grainger, Sam, Mao, Feng ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5889-1825 and Buytaert, Wouter 2016. Environmental data visualisation for non-scientific contexts: literature review and design framework. Environmental Modelling and Software 85 , pp. 299-318. 10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.09.004

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Abstract

Environmental science is an applied discipline, which therefore requires interacting with actors outside of the scientific community. Visualisations are increasingly seen as powerful tools to engage users with unfamiliar and complex subject matter. Despite recent research advances, scientists are yet to fully harness the potential of visualisation when interacting with non-scientists. To address this issue, we review the main principles of visualisation, discuss specific graphical challenges for environmental science and highlight some best practice from non-professional contexts. We provide a design framework to enhance the communication and application of scientific information within professional contexts. These guidelines can help scientists incorporate effective visualisations within improved dissemination and knowledge exchange platforms. We conclude that the uptake of science within environmental decision-making requires a highly iterative and collaborative design approach towards the development of tailored visualisations. This enables users to not only generate actionable understanding but also explore information on their own terms.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Earth and Environmental Sciences
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	1364-8152
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	27 July 2020
Date of Acceptance:	5 September 2016
Last Modified:	05 May 2023 00:36
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/133765

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