Visualising Data for Impact
We recently commissioned Katie Griffin, a TCD student, to create data visualisations using open datasets from the Dublinked platform.
Digital data visualisation tools are transforming how we interact with complex information, offering new ways for citizens to experience and understand their communities. Visualisations can integrate maps, charts, diagrams, infographics, images, models, videos and other media to help people to analyse information and understand it. When communicated effectively, open data can serve as a tool for accurate interpretation and insightful analysis.
The media frequently uses data visualisations in economic or geopolitical conversations because they make difficult subjects easier to understand and
promote increased community involvement. By producing data visualisations, councils are simplifying complex information, assisting citizens to better understand data and how it can be used to assess problems and suggest new ideas to enhance quality of life in their communities.
Visualisation tools like ARCGIS StoryMaps are a unique tool that can integrate data and maps for generating impactful data visualisations.
Dublin Canvas StoryMap
Dublin Canvas is a community art project intended to bring flashes of colour and creativity to everyday objects in the greater County Dublin area. The project takes previously unused public space, such as an exchange box, and transforms it into canvases to help brighten up areas.
The StoryMap presents the location of each Dublin canvas project, either artwork or other public art, in an interactive map. This transforms an uninteresting spreadsheet into a user-friendly info map that requires no app downloads and can be experienced on any internet-enabled device. These tools present new low-cost opportunities for rich media experiences like local community art trails – providing renewed interest in our communities. The possibilities for StoryMaps are endless!
Discover more ARCGIS StoryMaps built using Dublinked datasets:
• Public Parks, Gardens, and Public Spaces
• Public Wi-Fi
Fingal County Council’s Climate Action team has developed an excellent StoryMap to display all of their climate-related projects in one place. Developed to increase transparency and public engagement, the story map highlights key climate actions from departments across the organisation, from sustainable transport and energy efficiency to green infrastructure and education. Check out the Fingal Climate Action StoryMap to discover the many projects Fingal is supporting in local areas to help lead the way towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Open Data is freely available information that provides real-time insights about aspects of our communities.
Under EU law, local authorities must publish the data for which they are responsible. Unrestricted ‘open’ data is often published by councils through online portals e.g. the Dublinked, Fingal County Council’s Data website, and the Government Open Data Unit also publishes national data on its Ireland’s Open Data Portal website.
These platforms provide communities open access to free public data, tools, and resources to help solve important local issues.
About Katie Griffin:
Katie Griffin holds an MFA in Graphic Design and Visual Literacy and an MSc in Smart and Sustainable Cities. With over a decade of experience in healthcare and biotech design and branding, she has since transitioned to experiential and environmental design. Her work bridges design and urbanism with a focus on clarity, purpose, and impact, creating visual communication that cuts through complexity and connects people to what matters most. We Invited Katie to create three engaging StoryMaps from the Dublinked open data platform.
Her brief was to prompt participation and deliver new value into the hands of citizens. Katie worked on Dublin Canvas, Public Parks and Gardens, and Public Wifi in the Dublin area.