What are Geographic Visualizations

Geographic visualizations use a combination of data and computer-based visualization tools to enable us to see, explore and investigate Earth in ways never before possible. There are many types of geographic visualizations, ranging from printed images, to animations showing change over time, to interactive, computer-based maps to advanced 3-D virtual environments. Regardless of format, geographic visualizations are essential resources for exploration and discovery.

Scientists use geographic visualizations to conduct research, such as investigating different regions of Earth or exploring Earth as a system of connected parts, and to communicate their findings to colleagues and to the general public. Geographic visualizations have become essential and pervasive in Earth science.

Educators are only beginning to use geographic visualizations. Such visualizations typically either illustrate a textbook or are accessed through the Web or on a CD-ROM. They have tremendous potential to help students learn core concepts in Earth science and geography and develop essential skills of inquiry and and investigation.

These examples illustrate the diverse ways images and geographic visualizations are used in science research. Each has potential applications in education. Click on any image for higher resolution and a more detailed description.

Exploring the 3-dimensional structure of Hurricane Hugo Scientists at NASA Goddard created this view of Hurricane Hugo to better understand the 3-dimensional structure of a hurricane. (rsd.gsfc.nasa.gove)

Assessing Earthquake Risks in Southern California Scientists with the California Seismic Safety Commission overlay seismic intensity onto a satellite composite image to better understand Earthquake risk factors.

Monitoring El Nino's effect on global weather Scientists at XXX use data from the XXX satellite to monitor sea surface temperatures associated with El Nino and the associated impacts on global weather.

Designing migration corridors to sustain Biodiversity GRAPHIC Ð Migration Corridor on a GIS Scientists at University of Wisconsin use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to investigate global and regional biodiversity, and to design migration corridors as a strategy to sustain biodiversity. (www.ssec.wisc.edu/data)

Making more reliable weather forecasts Scientists at the University of Wisconsin use cloud cover images from GOES weather satellites along with precipitation data from ground-based Doppler radar to make more accurate weather forecasts (www.ssec.wisc.edu/data)

Measuring the scope and pace of deforestation GRAPHIC Ð Deforestation image Scientists from the XXX US Forest Service use LandSat satellite images to monitor clear-cutting in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. In this false-color image, red shows vegetation, as derived from the infra-red band of the LandSat satellite.

Observing the interconnections among Earth's systems Astronauts in the Space Shuttle took this dramatic picture of Klyuchevakaya volcano as it spewed ash and steam high into the atmosphere, helping scientists observe the volcano's impact on global atmosphere (earth.jsc.nasa.gov)

Analyzing human settlement and migration patterns Middle school students took this picture of Buenos Aires using a remote-controlled camera on the Space Shuttle, as part of the EarthKAM project. Such images help scientists, geographers (and students) investigate cities as seen from space. (www.earthkam.ucsd.edu)