Understanding Map Design for Renewable Energy Policy, Planning, and Technology Implementation
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Fish, C.; 2Stephens, P.; 3Calvert, K.
1THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY Email: fish@psu.edu
2THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY Email: pss5111@psu.edu
3THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY Email: kec21@psu.edu
Abstract
Maps, and especially online interactive maps, are one medium through which government and industry can better assess and communicate the local opportunities for urban solar energy development and implementation. Maps that allow local residents to assess their own rooftop, determine how much they want to invest, how much they want to save, and how the system will look can reduce some of the unknowns for individuals interested in understanding the potential for solar energy. The development of a fully renewable and sustainable energy system is a spatial problem. Renewable energy systems are acutely sensitive to local geographical nuances. Large scale renewable energy system development companies and government agencies often fail to include the public in planning and siting decisions for these new technologies. Solar energy in the city is unique in that it is most often implemented by individuals interested in the economic and environmental benefits. As most energy map products have been developed by engineers and planners, the purpose of this research is to bring a cartographic perspective to understanding solar energy map design, communication, and interaction. This research examines solar energy map products available in the public domain building on systematic map evaluation methods previously used in both the static and interactive map domains (e.g., Kessler and Slocum 2011, Roth 2015). In this study, we have compiled a set of interactive online urban solar energy maps. Second, we applied quantitative content analysis to evaluate and characterize cartographic design and usability of the map products. Third, we develop a set of heuristics for online interactive solar energy maps based on our evaluation to help drive best practices in the future of urban interactive solar energy maps (Nielsen, 1993). The results of this research will give us a better understanding of: 1) current urban solar energy map products available and 2) how to better design products of this type in the future. Future research will investigate the extent to which these products are used by individuals who choose to implement solar photovoltaic systems on their homes. Additionally, this research aims to support a more effective synthesis between energy sciences, community energy planning, and cartography.