Title
Coding Our Way to Evidence-Based Decision Making: The Role of Data Visualization.
Author(s)
Cheng, Samantha; Augustin, Caitlin; Brun, Julien; Haddaway, Neal; Madeleine McKinnon; Wilkie, David
Published
2017
Abstract
In recent years, there have been many calls for more evidence-based decision making in conservation and development. Methods that systematically identify and synthesize evidence from the literature in a way that aims to minimize bias and maximize transparency, objectivity and comprehensiveness (e.g., systematic maps and reviews) have the potential to significantly improve access to and uptake of information that is often extensive and held behind restrictive paywalls. Though these methods are becoming more prevalent, numerous studies have shown that the use of any evidence (primary or secondary research) in decision-making is still not widespread, with many practitioners relying on primarily experience. This stems in part from the continued inability to access and sort through evidence, whether synthesized, collated or not. Authors of systematic reviews and maps tend to report their data in spreadsheets and lists, which may be difficult to find and use because of its location in additional files and in non-usable formats such as PDFs. In response to this, there has been a push to develop interactive and intuitive ways to find, explore and utilize data from systematic reviews and maps. We present two case studies of efforts to increase evidence uptake through data visualization using open access online platforms. The first case study is an online data portal and knowledge management tool created as part a systematic map on the impacts of conservation on human well-being, produced by a Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) working group (www.natureandpeopleevidence. org). The second case study is an interactive, web-based geographical information system (an “evidence atlas”) created as part of a systematic map of the impacts of farming on soil organic carbon. We discuss how these tools were planned, produced and communicated, and outline the preliminary impacts of these tools on end users

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PUB26814