How do you communicate the uncertainty and limitations of spatial data to stakeholders and decision-makers?

Spatial data is essential for environmental planning, but it also comes with uncertainty and limitations that can affect the quality and reliability of the information. How do you communicate these challenges to stakeholders and decision-makers who may not be familiar with the technical aspects of spatial data? Here are some tips to help you bridge the gap and ensure that your spatial data is used appropriately and effectively.

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1 Explain the sources and types of uncertainty

Uncertainty is the degree of doubt or variability associated with a spatial data value or attribute. It can arise from different sources, such as measurement errors, sampling methods, data processing, classification schemes, or modeling assumptions. Uncertainty can also be classified into different types, such as spatial, temporal, thematic, or positional. Explain to your audience the sources and types of uncertainty that affect your spatial data, and how they influence the accuracy, precision, and confidence of the results.

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Mark Kasinskas

Geographer & Firefighter
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When explaining data sources, try to describe WHO collected/created the data, HOW it was done, and WHY. These can all help shape potential limitations and reasonable/acceptable future uses.

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2 Use appropriate visualization and communication tools

Visualizing and communicating uncertainty and limitations of spatial data can be challenging, but there are some tools and methods that can help you convey the information effectively. For example, you can use maps, charts, graphs, tables, or diagrams that show the spatial distribution, range, or variability of the uncertainty or limitation. You can also use symbols, colors, shades, transparency, or annotations to highlight the areas or features that are more or less uncertain or limited. You can also use verbal or numerical expressions, such as qualifiers, indicators, or probabilities, to describe the uncertainty or limitation in words or numbers.

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3 Provide context and interpretation

Uncertainty and limitations of spatial data are not necessarily bad or problematic, as long as they are acknowledged and understood in the context of the planning problem and the decision-making process. Provide your audience with the context and interpretation of the uncertainty and limitation, such as why it matters, how it affects the planning objectives and outcomes, what are the implications and trade-offs, and what are the possible solutions or alternatives. You can also use scenarios, case studies, examples, or analogies to illustrate the relevance and impact of the uncertainty and limitation.

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Gary Delaney - MSc(Nav Tech), FRIN, Lt NS (Ret'd)

Former Naval Officer. GNSS/Geospatial Tech Innovator, Founder & CEO. Geospatial Forensic Data Analytics, Navigation (incl Emergency Response) & Geomatics Expert. NB - Location Intelligence ≠ Navigation Intelligence
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Spatial data provenance info (age, accuracy, source & capture/correction method, coordinate system, control origin etc) should be stored with other meta data.

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4 Be transparent and honest

One of the most important aspects of communicating uncertainty and limitations of spatial data is to be transparent and honest about the data quality and reliability. Do not hide, exaggerate, or downplay the uncertainty and limitation, as this can undermine your credibility and trustworthiness. Instead, be clear and consistent about the sources, types, and levels of uncertainty and limitation, and how they are measured, assessed, and reported. Acknowledge the limitations and gaps of your data, and the assumptions and uncertainties of your analysis and interpretation. Provide references, citations, or metadata to support your data and methods.

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5 Involve and engage your audience

Communicating uncertainty and limitations of spatial data is not a one-way process, but a two-way dialogue that involves and engages your audience. Seek feedback, input, or questions from your stakeholders and decision-makers, and address their concerns, doubts, or expectations. Explain the benefits and risks of using spatial data for planning purposes, and the trade-offs and uncertainties involved. Encourage your audience to explore, interact, or experiment with the spatial data and the visualization and communication tools, and to share their perspectives, experiences, or preferences.

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6 Adapt to your audience and purpose

Finally, communicating uncertainty and limitations of spatial data requires adapting to your audience and purpose. Depending on who you are talking to, what you are trying to achieve, and what is the context and format of your communication, you may need to adjust the level of detail, complexity, or technicality of your information. You may also need to use different languages, styles, or tones to suit your audience's background, knowledge, interest, or attitude. The goal is to make your communication clear, relevant, and meaningful for your audience and purpose.

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