Columbia glacier: Data Visualization
Challenge:
Transform complex climate datasets into a unified visual narrative. I was tasked with correlating the Columbia Glacier’s recession with global sea-level rise, ensuring the final information architecture was driven by the quantitative data rather than traditional grid constraints.
Research:
The project began with the development of a hierarchical conceptual map to establish causality between global climate drivers and local environmental shifts. I mapped the progression from man-made CO2 emissions and atmospheric warming to the accelerated recession of the Columbia Glacier. To ground this narrative in reality, I synthesized quantitative data from diverse sources, including NASA’s Landsat imagery and oceanic temperature records. This research phase focused on identifying the interconnectedness between glacial melt and its subsequent socio-ecological impacts, specifically rising sea levels and the disruption of Alaskan coastal ecosystems.
Translating longitudinal satellite data into a multi-layered visual narrative that communicates the environmental impact of glacial recession over several decades
Solution:
The final solution is a comprehensive informational system that translates raw climate data into a structured visual narrative. I digitized and vectorized Landsat imagery from 1984–2020 to provide a clear, high-contrast representation of the glacier’s receding ice mass over three decades. By mapping quantitative datasets into a series of specialized graphs, I established a rigorous visual hierarchy across a large-format poster. Every element was strategically positioned to guide the viewer’s eye from the man-made catalysts to the eventual ecological consequences, ensuring a logical and impactful flow of information.
