The way we use data is a life or death matter – from the refugee crisis to COVID-19

An algorithm driven world is dehumanising – but by understanding this we can call for a more equitable and human use of data.

Monika Halkort, Assistant Professor of Digital Media and Social Communication, Lebanese American University • conversation
Nov. 12, 2020 • ~22 min
big-data refugees interdisciplinarity mapping in-depth insights-series migrants mediterranean

Marie Tharp pioneered mapping the bottom of the ocean 6 decades ago – scientists are still learning about Earth's last frontier

Born on July 30, 1920, geologist and cartographer Tharp changed scientific thinking about what lay at the bottom of the ocean – not a featureless flat, but rugged and varied terrain.

Suzanne OConnell, Professor of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Wesleyan University • conversation
July 28, 2020 • ~10 min
earth-science geology women-in-science women plate-tectonics maps mapping oceans cartography continents ocean-floor geosciences seamounts marine-geology continental-shelf

Balloon releases have deadly consequences – we're helping citizen scientists map them

Releasing balloons at weddings and other celebrations is festive, until they break into pieces and become plastic pollution. A citizen science project is spotlighting the problem.

Shannon Brines, Applied Geographer, Lecturer and Manager, Environmental Spatial Analysis Laboratory, University of Michigan • conversation
March 18, 2020 • ~8 min

 data  citizen-science  wildlife  gps  plastic  mapping  litter  microplastics  great-lakes  plastic-pollution

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