Daryl Harrison Golder Associates Ltd., Canada June 2014

Transcription

1 A Picture Paints a Thousand Words : The Role of Visualization in Communicating Project Design to Support Consultation and Understanding in the ESIA Process Daryl Harrison Golder Associates Ltd., Canada June 2014 The ESIA process involves the organization and interpretation of large amounts of technical data used to identify a complex range of potential social and environmental impacts of a proposed development. While consultation with effected stakeholders provides communication opportunities within the ESIA process, conveying detailed technical information presents challenges and limitations related to levels of expert knowledge, language and cultural or social context. This essay examines the role of emerging visualisation tools and techniques to better communicate technical information related to project design and assessment to stakeholders within the ESIA processes. The opportunity to support engagement by visual means becomes more relevant as the range of modern technologies, techniques and media advances. Powerful visual tools, from virtual landscape simulations to augmented reality technologies, allow for the production of visualizations that represent complex data in a relevant context for interpretation by a broad audience. This has the potential to help build increased awareness and understanding of the project and its potential effects and stimulates willingness to identify potential issues and options. The result is an enhanced process and improvement to the overall quality of the project. Illustrations of recent visualization technologies including representative landscape simulations, interactive real-time geo-browsers, and augmented reality technologies consider the viability, benefits and issues related to their application. An identification of the importance of recognizing standards of quality and ethical uses of these visualizations is also presented to understand the responsibilities of utilizing these technologies with the ESIA process. Introduction The title of this essay is based on a popular phrase attributed to advertiser Frederick R. Barnard in Barnard was commenting on the effectiveness of graphics and the ability of images to convey complex ideas. As a marketer, Barnard understood the capacity and value of images to provide immediate access to the information or ideas being presented. There is efficiency, clarity and subtly referenced meaning communicated to the individual observer by using visualizations. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process involves the organization and interpretation of large amounts of technical data used to identify a complex range of potential social and environmental impacts of a proposed development. Consultation efforts with affected stakeholders provides communication opportunities within the ESIA process to present project related information 1 IAIA14 Conference Proceedings April , Viña del Mar, Chile

2 and identify issues and concerns. Limitations associated with understanding and cultural or social context can provided challenges to the utilization of these opportunities. This essay examines the role of emerging visualization tools and techniques in communicating project related technical information to stakeholders to support understanding and enhance the ESIA process. The relevance of supporting engagement with visualization is examined through the description of example technologies including landscape simulations, geo-browsers, and augmented reality. With the increased availability and application of these tools, it s important to recognize the value of standards of quality and ethical practice to understand the responsible use of these technologies within the ESIA process. Challenges and Opportunities to Understanding Complexity is often characteristic in communicating technical knowledge. ESIAs involve a large amount of detailed information from a variety of disciplines to develop the project design, conduct analysis and present results. Proponents rely on technical studies and strategies to demonstrate a competent proposal to regulators. This is a result of a process that aims to be rigorous and transparent towards the goal of determining environmental, economic and social impacts. However, the broad range stakeholders involved are likely to find the large amount of technical detail excessive, confusing or frustrating. Some stakeholders may experience knowledge or culture-related barriers to interpreting this information or recognizing its implications. This can make it hard to gather information from stakeholders or result in a more adverse reaction to the project s legitimacy. Stakeholder engagement in the ESIA process is an opportunity to explain the objectives and technical scope of a project but also an opportunity to understand and address concerns and perceptions. This opportunity is hindered if understanding is not adequately facilitated. The Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan Pipeline project in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey suffered from difficulties related to poor disclosure of excessively large amounts of information (IFC, 2006). This project generated probably the largest and most comprehensive set of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment documentation ever released by an International Finance Corporation client at that time, but failed initially to focus on reporting or engagement that local people could readily understand. Visual communication graphically presents key concepts and illustrates their relationship in a visual manner. This approach holds potential in addressing some of the barriers to understanding technical information. Research supports the idea that visual communication can be more powerful than verbal or written communication alone, suggesting in many instances that people learn and retain information that is presented to them visually much better than that which is only provided in non-visual methods (Lester, 2006). Organizations are realizing the importance of understanding complex relationships through visual means. Today, with advances in software, hardware and data, presenters of information have more resources than ever available to them for creating and displaying visually rich evidence. Broadly defined, visualizations include charts, diagrams, infographics, illustrations, and maps as modes of information communication designed to improve its effectiveness, intelligibility and aesthetic appeal. Geographic visualization, or Geo-visualization, is a form of visualization which represents geographically 2 IAIA14 Conference Proceedings April , Viña del Mar, Chile

3 specific information and emphasizes knowledge building through data exploration (MacEachern, 2004). These are powerful tools to comprehend the composition of landscape related elements and their interactions. While sophisticated landscape geo-visualization technologies remain the tools of geoscientists and designers, many tools are becoming more accessible and accepted by a broader nontechnical audience. Tools like Google Earth (Google Inc., 2014) allow for geographic modelling anywhere with an internet connection and a computer or mobile device. These emerging tools are pushing the boundaries of how we perceive and interact with geographic information and will be the focus of visualizations tools presented in this essay. The use of geographic visualization tools has been recognized as having a number of benefits such as making issues more tangible, the facilitation of local knowledge and discussion, and increasing participant ownership of the process (Shaw et. al, 2009). In the context of the ESIA process, these tools and associated benefits can be applied to help support the various stages of stakeholder engagement including: Early engagement stages by communicating project concept and preliminary design; Information disclosure stages by illustrating key concepts in an accessible form to support informed participation; Iterative consultation by communicating changes in design over time, scoping priority issues, and providing participatory tools; Reporting to summarize complex interactions of project elements and reach a wider nontechnical audience. Evidence from social and environmental psychology and best practices in communications suggest that a number of key dimensions are required for effective stakeholder communication. These include the need to be engaging and accessible, the provision of understandable information and for information to be personally relevant for local public and decision-makers; these are things that people can identify and which they care about (Sheppard et. al., 2011). Geo-visualization can help achieve each of these effectively by presenting a combination of accurate and recognizable information in compelling representational formats allowing for a higher degree of understanding and potential for consent. Enriched awareness and involvement from stakeholders to identify issues and options results is an enhanced process and improvement to the overall quality of the project. Geo-Visualization Tools and Techniques A diverse range of technologies are available to present visual representations of project design and effects. Three representative examples will be described and explored below for their beneficial contribution to visual communication in the ESIA process. Each have their own unique characteristics in communicating environmental change to stakeholders. Landscape simulations are a subset of geographic visualization that communicate existing landscape conditions and project effects often with a high degree of realism. This is a well-established landscape 3 IAIA14 Conference Proceedings April , Viña del Mar, Chile

4 modelling approach that produces realistic simulation images and provide accurate and easily distinguishable representation of project components and effects. Landscape simulations communicate existing landscapes and allow for the modelling of alternative landscape scenarios. Figure 1 - Example of landscape simulation modelling software (3DNature, 2009) These scenarios may be geographic in nature and demonstrate alternative site selections and layouts and/or they may be temporal and demonstrate changes over time. These models can be highly accurate because they are data-driven and typically demonstrate a level of realism that is effective in conveying subtle and detailed landscape information easily recognizable by stakeholders familiar with these landscapes, which is critical to local perceptions of the land. This has been found to enhance the ability to achieve fair and meaningful deliberation on local values in the consultation process (Lewis & Sheppard, 2006) Interactive geo-browsers include popular interactive digital interfaces for exploring maps and/or 3D models. They allow for an experiential-reality effect for the user. The unique characteristic of geobrowsers is the ability for the observer to interact and control the landscape model by panning, zooming and navigating their way through the environment. While they lack the high level realism of landscape simulations, like a map, they remove detailed information and highlight the key components for stakeholders to consider, explore and discuss. Research suggests that interactive 3D visualization displays may be the most effective form of teaching and learning relative to other media currently used in the environmental field (Furness, Winn, & Yu, 1998). The recent availability of high performance graphics in computers offers Figure 2 - Example of interactive geo-browser software (AutoDesk, 2013) increasing opportunities for interactive modelling and visualization to be used to support decision and engagement. Augmented reality (AR) is perhaps the most recent of the tools to be developed. This involves the use of handheld devices that augment an existing real-time view of the landscape by displaying a georeferenced model of the project onto the site. Models are developed in a desktop environment and 4 IAIA14 Conference Proceedings April , Viña del Mar, Chile

5 deployed geographically so that the mobile device is aware of their location relative the observers. As a result, the view of the model through the mobile device is dynamic and responsive to the observer s location. Digital annotation can be presented on the display screen providing additional project-relevant information. This technology has been used in industries such as aviation and engineering design with recent application to environmental assessment. The increasing availability of mobile devices with advanced graphic capabilities offers additional opportunities for wider use. The example in Figure 3 is of a VentusAR Mobile tablet application used for a Visual Impact Assessment the Tangy Windfarm Development in Scotland. AR provides an immediate and real-world relationship to the project s effect on the landscape. Research suggests that there is a higher level of confidence and credibility with the observers the less abstracted it is (Lewis and Sheppard, 2006). The combination of dynamic and in situ viewing presented in AR is likely to be effective at increasing enthusiasm and engagement with stakeholders due to its novelty and its ability to provide a perception of transparency and flexibility of use. AR offers a window into the future with potentially meaningful sociocultural associations for stakeholders. Figure 3 - Example of augmented reality software (LinkNode, 2013) Risks and Responsibilities While there is great potential for using visualizations to engage and motivate people within the ESIA process, there are risks and responsibilities associated with use of computer-based visualization technologies for communication and design. There is a common issue of trust related to the development and presentation of visualizations and insuring a sense of defensibility (Sheppard and Meitner, 2005). It is a necessity to remain aware of and adhere to guidance related to the ethical and methodological issues associated with using computer-generated visualizations to address this issue. Effectiveness of visual representations is highly dependent on quality of data that drives them and the technical process used to develop them (Sheppard, 2006). Landscape models are based on raw data, typically GIS or CAD format mapping information such as terrain elevation, land cover and 3D models of built components. The quality and accuracy of this data will dictate the overall quality and accuracy of the visualization. Likewise, the abilities of the visualization technician will influence its appearance, and potentially, its effectiveness in consultation. While specifications for developing computer-based visualizations are varied, compliance with recognized standards can provide consistent and reliable products. The need for support for preparers of visualizations has gained acceptance recently and responses are beginning to address concerns over reliability and appropriate use of data and modelling conventions (Sheppard, 2001). 5 IAIA14 Conference Proceedings April , Viña del Mar, Chile

6 Visualizations have the ability to influence stakeholders perceptions and judgement towards a project based on visual representation (Meitner and Daniel, 1997). The persuasive power of visualizations is easily evident. We trust that the images are telling us the truth because they are recognizable and convincing. Despite efforts to develop standards and guidance for visualization production, the process of creating visualizations is never fully data driven. Content choices during model development or the selections of the mode of presentation can introduce questions of validity. Adherence to an ethical code of practice related to procedures and guidelines for best practices would help to address concerns. Currently, professional designations and best practices do exist. The continued unification and development of guidelines to include data collection provisions, structured training, and support infrastructure will likely increase degrees of reliability, accuracy and ethical use of visualization (Sheppard, 2001). Conclusion Visual researcher and academic Edward R. Tufte (1990) has observed, To envision information is to work at the intersection of image, word, number, art. This statement acknowledges the extensive opportunities for communication inherent in visualization. The use of emerging visualization tools and techniques can increase the ability to clearly communicate technical information to a broad audience in an efficient, clear and accessible manner. Within the ESIA process, geo-visualization tools and techniques offer benefits for visioning, garnering public input and guiding decision-making. Illustrated examples of these tools have demonstrated their particular ability to localize technical project information into recognizable representations. They can condense complex information and add meaning to a stakeholder s perception of a project, building opportunities for improved awareness and understanding of a project s design and the technical analysis that supports it. Continued development of technical guidance and attention to the risks of using innovative geo-visualization tools offers the promise of increasing quality and reliability of results. Ultimately, the use of geo-visualizations can contribute to the success of an ESIA and the possibility of a better understanding of the implications of future landscapes. References: 3DNature Ltd Visual Nature Studio (Version 3.0) [Software]. Available from Autodesk Navisworks (Version 10.0) [Software]. Available from Furness, T. A., III., Winn, W., & Yu, R The impact of three dimensional immersive virtual environments on modern pedagogy (HIT Lab Technical Report No. R-97-15). Accessed on March 15, 2014, from Google Inc Google Earth (Version ) [Software]. Available from 6 IAIA14 Conference Proceedings April , Viña del Mar, Chile

7 International Finance Corporation (IFC) Lessons of Experience: The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Pipeline Project. Accessed on April 2, 2014 at Lester, P.M Syntactic Theory of Visual Communication. Fullerton, California State University. Lewis, J.L. and Sheppard, S.R.J Culture and communications: Can landscape visualization improve forest management consultation with indigenoul communities?. Landscape and Urban Planning 77, LinkNode VentusAR (Version 1.3) [Software]. Available from MacEachren, A.M Geovisualization for knowledge construction and decision support. IEEE computer graphics and applications, 24(1), pp Meitner, M., & Daniel, T The effects of animation and interactivity on the validity of human responses to forest data visualizations. In B. Orland (Ed.) Proceedings of Data Visualization 97, St. Louis, MO. Shaw, A. S. Sheppard, S.R.J. Burch, D. Flanders, A. Wiek, J. Carmichael, J. Robinson, and S. Cohen Making local futures tangible: Synthesizing, downscaling, and visualizing climate change scenarios for participatory capacity building. Global Environmental Change, 19(4), Sheppard, S.R.J. & Meitner, M Using Multi-Criteria Analysis and visualisation for Sustainable Forest Management planning with stakeholder groups Elsevier Forest Ecology and Management, 207(1-2), Sheppard, S.R.J Bridging the sustainability gap with landscape visualisation in community visioning hubs. Integrated Assessment, 6 (4), Sheppard, S.R.J., A. Shaw, D. Flanders, S. Burch, A. Wiek, J. Carmichael, J.B. Robinson, S. Cohen Future visioning of local climate change: A framework for community engagement and planning with scenarios and visualization. Futures, 43(4), Tufte, Edward R Envisioning Information. Graphics Press, Connecticut. 7 IAIA14 Conference Proceedings April , Viña del Mar, Chile