It should be direct and written to answer questions such as what does this layer show, what is the data source, what time period or version was used to create the layer, what is the extent of the data? Space is limited to 250 characters so you must carefully craft a summary that tells the potential user what they need to know to determine if the layer will be useful for their needs. The summary should expand on the title and provide a mini-abstract. Italicize scientific names and avoid acronyms, parenthesis, and jargon that may not be familiar to the users. Typical search results contain the thumbnail, title, summary, and other information about the layer. This is the key point where a user will recognize the potential usefulness of your layer and investigate further. When a user searches for layers in the ArcGIS platform the results include the title, summary, and thumbnail. Discovering Your Layer: Title, Summary, and Thumbnail The harder each of those steps is for the user the more likely the user is to move on. People tend to scroll and scan quickly rather than read beginning to end. In the modern internet era you only have seconds to communicate all of this. If all goes well, they will be able to understand the layer and how it will be useful to them. When designing or reviewing layers my assumption is that a user will discover the layer, explore it a little in a map, dig into the details, especially if they are a researcher or GIS person, and quickly see the value of the layer. For items that we accept into Living Atlas we look for great cartography, solid information design and clear, concise writing. This is an important point that many people overlook. I work with users ranging from hard-core academic researchers and GIS specialists to citizen scientists, planners, and managers who may have some subject matter expertise but need a little more help interpreting what they are viewing.Ī well-designed product puts the end user first and anticipates what they need to understand your work and build on it. This can be much more challenging than it appears at first. My philosophy for designing geographic information products focuses on the end user and providing value to them. As a Living Atlas curator for the Environment Team I work closely with users submitting nominations to help them share and maximize the scientific value of their work. ![]() A key part of the Science of Where is sharing your results in a way that allows others to understand and build on your work.
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