Tim Maly analyses a stunning high-resolution map of America’s forests for its lessons on the subtle choices that go into good visual information design for multiple audiences.
NASA's map, built from 265 million segments and accurate to within 30 meters, is intended to be a tool for understanding exactly how much carbon our trees can absorb. Based on data gathered by the Woods Hole Research Center's (WHRC) National Biomass and Carbon Dataset (NBCD), the map has been developed to a scale "which means that forest managers and researchers can track the disruption caused by things as small as a parking lot or a large building," writes Maly.
In developing the map however, Robert Simmon, art director of NASA's Earth Observatory, who published the map, wanted it to be accessible for non-experts as well. That meant paying close attention to how certain colors are interpreted and how patterns and relationships are conveyed.
According to Maly, "Good information design for the public is about clarity and impact. Simmon says that his primary goal as an information designer is to create 'almost an emotional reaction with people.' He wants to make that first 'getting what it is' as easy as possible while retaining as much information as possible in the display so the more you look at it, the more you see. 'It's a classical design sense of creating a hierarchy of information.'"
FULL STORY: NASA Creates Insanely High-Res Map Of America’s Trees, And Offers A Lesson In Information Design
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly
The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.
LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality
A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.
Lawsuit Aims to Stop Dodger Stadium Gondola
A proposed aerial tram project that would shuttle visitors to L.A.’s Dodger Stadium faces backlash from environmental and community groups.
Why Parking Reform Goes Hand in Hand With More Housing
To achieve the full benefits of ‘missing middle housing’ and make way for small-lot construction, cities must rethink parking mandates.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.