Getting the picture: using data visualization to make complex models more accessible to policy-makers

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) utilizes a Robust Decision Support (RDS) approach that integrates water systems modelling, participatory techniques, and interactive data visualization via Tableau. This method addresses the challenge of communicating vast amounts of data from complex models, such as the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) system, to non-scientists. By using multi-field graphics and interactive filters, stakeholders can evaluate system vulnerability across numerous scenarios and assess the trade-offs of different management strategies, such as dam construction, to identify robust solutions for an uncertain future.

• The Robust Decision Support (RDS) approach combines water systems modelling, data visualization, and participatory techniques to help stakeholders identify strategies that provide satisfactory outcomes across a wide range of possible future scenarios.
• SEI uses the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) system for water management models, but because these models produce enormous amounts of data that can obscure insights, SEI employs Tableau software to create interactive visualizations that bridge the communication gap between scientists and decision-makers.
• In the Peruvian Chira-Piura watershed case study, interactive dashboards allowed users to filter data across 13 system performance metrics and 11 strategies, revealing that while a strategy like building a dam might improve hydropower generation, it could negatively impact other sectors or objectives.
• Effective communication of complex model results requires a balance between presenting nuance and maintaining clarity to avoid overwhelming decision-makers; visualization software is a tool that must be used thoughtfully alongside close interaction with key actors.

APA

Forni, L., & Galaitsi, S. (2015). Getting the picture: using data visualization to make complex models more accessible to policy-makers. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-FS-2015-Data-visualization-complex-models.pdf

Chicago

Forni, Laura, and Stephanie Galaitsi. Getting the picture: using data visualization to make complex models more accessible to policy-makers. Stockholm Environment Institute, 2015. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-FS-2015-Data-visualization-complex-models.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Forni |first1=Laura |last2=Galaitsi |first2=Stephanie |title=Getting the picture: using data visualization to make complex models more accessible to policy-makers |publisher=Stockholm Environment Institute |date=2015 |url=https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-FS-2015-Data-visualization-complex-models.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{forni2015getting, author = {Forni, Laura and Galaitsi, Stephanie}, title = {{Getting the picture: using data visualization to make complex models more accessible to policy-makers}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2015}, url = {https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-FS-2015-Data-visualization-complex-models.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }