What´s on Tap? Transforming Stormwater Survey Data into Visually Appealing Educational Tools

Sustainability and environmentalism are broad, complex topics about which South Carolina residents have varying perceptions and opinions. It is important to examine these topics not only in South Carolina, but also nationally and globally, as water circulates and is a vital source for survival that is becoming increasingly valuable. This study utilizes telephone survey data that sought to identify South Carolina residents´ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding nonpoint source water pollution, and watershed management. This data was collected in 2013 in five regions of South Carolina: Pee Dee, Charleston, Midlands, Grand Strand, and the Upstate. The purpose of this visualization project was to describe the process of using visualization tools for expressing residents´ opinions about a several issues related to storm water management. These particular visualization tools will ease the comprehension of environmental perceptions by transferring survey data from Excel spreadsheets to illustrations that are easy to read and are more visually appealing. The visualization instruments used were a social media marketing tool, Radian6, and ESRI´s geographical information system for data topography: Arc GIS. Additionally, a flip-book was developed as an educational supplement to raise awareness of the environmental impact and personal responsibility of water pollution. The successful implementation of the methodology will allow a keener observation and presentation of residents´ environmental awareness. The knowledge gained can be used to strengthen storm water education efforts, both regionally and nationally.