How do you simplify GIS data visualization for stakeholders with no technical background?

Visually engaging symbols and colours do well is associating the mapped message with the real world. Have in mind shared meaning, not just shared intelligence. Thus, spend some time also to understand the cultural nuances of the users to get prior tips on how various figures and colours communicate meanings to them.

It can be really helpful to make GIS data easier to understand for people who aren't technical experts. You can do this by using simple, easy-to-understand visualizations like heat maps or bar charts that show important information. It's also important to give explanations in plain language that help people understand the business impact. Working closely with stakeholders to make sure the visuals are right for them is key, and using user-friendly tools to create interactive dashboards can make the process even smoother, without needing specialized GIS knowledge.

A clear to understand Legend with as Little to no Jargon, laid out logically and easy to follow. With all this being said, context is important, in that you might need to annex an explanation to clarify things more.

Instead of just showing data, tell a clear and concise story. What is the main message you want stakeholders to take away? Tailor the visuals and explanations to that message.

To simplify GIS data visualization for stakeholders with no technical background, I use intuitive, interactive dashboards with clear, visually appealing maps and graphs. I focus on key insights, avoid jargon, and employ user-friendly tools like Tableau and ArcGIS Online. This approach ensures stakeholders easily understand the data's significance and make informed decisions.

- 🌈 Use distinct color coding to represent different data categories, making visual distinctions clear and immediate. - 🗺️ Apply intuitive color choices, like green for vegetation density and blue for water bodies, to align with natural associations. - 🎨 Ensure the color palette is visually appealing and provides sufficient contrast between categories to avoid confusion. - 📝 Include a clear legend that explains what each color represents, aiding stakeholders in quickly understanding the map. - 📊 Simplify data layers by focusing on the most relevant information, avoiding clutter that can overwhelm non-technical viewers. - 🖼️ Use annotations and labels to highlight key areas and data points.

Color maps are intuitive to read and can contain a lot of information simply by associating them with simple reference frame. For example, using colors such as red to highlight important or vulnerable areas and green to identify safe zones quickly orient people, even if they are not fully familiar with the information.

Consider using pattern fills or textures in addition to colours to differentiate GIS data categories. This approach can provide an extra layer of distinction, especially for viewers with colour vision deficiencies, ensuring that everyone can accurately interpret the data.

Color coding is an effective method to simplify GIS data for non-technical stakeholders. Use distinct colors on maps or charts to represent different categories or levels of information, such as demographic trends or geographic features. Ensure colors are intuitive and consistent across visuals, with a clear, accessible legend explaining each color's meaning. This approach helps stakeholders quickly grasp patterns and trends without needing technical expertise, enhancing their understanding and decision-making process.

Colour is so important and too many people don't think about that fact that stakeholders could also be colour blind and that needs to be considered when choosing colours. Colours also convey emotions and its important to convey the message with the correct emotions. Lastly there are the identity the stakeholders have that needs to be considered and integrated into the colours chosen.

"Focus areas" typically refer to specific regions or zones of interest within GIS data analysis. These are areas identified for special attention due to factors like economic development, environmental concerns, or demographic trends. GIS tools allow stakeholders to pinpoint and analyze these focus areas by overlaying relevant data layers such as population density, land use, or infrastructure. This targeted approach helps in making informed decisions and implementing strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of each focus area, ensuring effective planning and resource allocation.

One thing I've found helpful is: Finding out what the stake holders are interested in and cater the map to reflect which layers would show them that. Applying all the layers from Arc gis can be very confusing if you're not familiar with it as everything overlaps and such. So it's best to try and not have more than 2 or 3 layers at a time.

A clear legend is essential for understanding GIS visualizations. Use simple language, avoid jargon, and place it prominently. This helps stakeholders easily interpret symbols and colours, enhancing their engagement with the data.

The key supplementary map information that should be with every map should be, what way is north, location of the things in the map (grid or other clearly identifiable information) and lastly but most importantly a legend, without a legend nobody knows what things are and different features get confused with the wrong things. Not only is it important to have a legend but it should also be clear and concise. Too many people put a whole paragraph against each item in a legend. that should be kept seperate. Keep your legend concise and easy to read.

Utilizar de mapas interativos e colocar os mapas junto com gráficos e tabelas pode ajudar bastante para comunicar informações e análises para pessoas não técnicas. Além do dashboard, o Arcgis por exemplo já possui integração com o Power BI, e facilita bastante apresentar os resultados nesse formato

Interactive tools in GIS empower stakeholders to engage directly with spatial data. These tools, such as interactive maps and dashboards, enable users to manipulate and explore data dynamically. Stakeholders can zoom in/out, toggle layers, and click on features for detailed information. This interactivity enhances understanding by allowing real-time exploration of trends, patterns, and relationships within the data. Moreover, interactive tools facilitate collaborative decision-making by enabling stakeholders to visualize scenarios, simulate outcomes, and iterate strategies based on insights gained, fostering informed and effective planning processes.

One thing I have realised is the complexity of the map also should be reduced to the minimum required. It should be able to communicate adequately, with no missing or extra information. A sense of place should be included by adding the popular roads, landmarks and neighbourhood. The text of the labels should be clear, legible and preferably in multiple vernacular. Arrows, if used, should not be mixed with the line type of maps and must be distinct. We can overlay some culturally and contextually relevant elements to enhance the readability, and ensure general people comprehend the maps better.

To make GIS data visualization more interactive for non-technical stakeholders, it’s important to start with a solid foundation of clear symbols, text, and colors. Once this is established, you can enhance the clarity, interactivity and engagement of visualizations for better understanding through a few key strategies: 🔵 Minimize the use of excessive symbols and text. 🔵Utilize clear legends and labels to clarify map features. 🔵Ensure your map narrates a story, beginning with the title and continuing through other map elements. 🔵Incorporate interactive elements and animations to enhance engagement and draw attention to key aspects of your story. 🔵Include additional descriptions and explanatory notes.

Based on my own experience, even though there can be complex processes involved in GIS fields, our goal is to produce GIS data in an interactive format, such as maps, dashboards, and stories. Regardless of the complexity of the process, the output should be simple and easily understandable, even for those without a basic understanding of GIS. Since people have been familiar with maps for a long time, straightforwardly presenting the data is crucial. Using familiar color codes and simple labeling can be sufficient to convey the information effectively.

While understanding GIS is incredibly important when conducting and presenting research, it is equally important that the data being presented can be easily comprehended. Ultimately, the final product will need to have logical elements of graphic design that allow for quick and efficient understanding of the data that doesn’t allow for confusion.