Redesigning for Research: Accessible Data Interaction with MISR Fire Plumes
Abstract
In recent decades, advances in instrumentation, digital transmission, and computation have enabled previously unimaginable accumulation of geophysical data. Unfortunately, many valuable datasets are abstruse, cumbersomely documented, and unintuitive, making exploratory analysis difficult. We examine how one such dataset, fire plumes from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), can be revitalized through human-centered design and intuitive data visualization principles. Our results indicate that a navigable interface facilitates exploratory research and helps researchers extract valuable information from previously avoided datasets.
Exploratory analysis, or a precursory evaluation of data with the intent of generating a research inquiry or hypothesis, is often hampered in efficacy by an arduous data parsing process. When studying fire-based aerosol behaviour, which involves cross-examining a multitude of variables to expose meaningful correlations, exploratory analysis is critical to an efficient workflow. As a case study, we have developed a data interface and visualization tool for MISR Fire Plumes, a unique and valuable dataset often overlooked due to its inaccessible interface. We conducted a thorough workflow inquiry and iterative prototyping sessions with MISR team in an effort to refine interactions and visual representations. The resultant interface includes intuitive batch data retrieval with built-in spatial plotting, and can correlate fire plume products with variables from any number of outside datasets. The interface streamlines exploratory MISR investigation, reducing time taken to generate visualizations and correlations on the order of days. We believe that similar human-centered design processes can critically enhance the practical value of many Earth and climate science datasets. As we update our understanding of the environment we must also update the tools we use to study it.- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AGUFMGC51E0840B
- Keywords:
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- 0315 Biosphere/atmosphere interactions;
- ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTUREDE: 0439 Ecosystems;
- structure and dynamics;
- BIOGEOSCIENCESDE: 0468 Natural hazards;
- BIOGEOSCIENCESDE: 1631 Land/atmosphere interactions;
- GLOBAL CHANGE