Carrie Bell, sonar data visualization

in NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) won for developing an innovative way to let diverse users of NOAA’s sonar data quickly assess the value of datasets for their particular use, and more easily use the data. With her new visualization scheme, developed in partnership with NOAA Fisheries, sonar data users can quickly understand complex datasets, which may contain information on many types of features (eg, the small bubbles of larval fish or phytoplankton, or other indications of zooplankton). Carrie’s new visualization strategy allows novice and expert users to explore data without specialized software and training. It also represents one of the first interactive science tools developed at NCEI, and is a model for future interactive science efforts within the organization.