How do you communicate and visualize fracture and flow data and results to stakeholders?

1 Know your audience

The first step in communicating and visualizing fracture and flow data and results is to know your audience and their expectations. Different stakeholders may have different levels of background knowledge, interests, and objectives. For example, a geologist may want to see detailed maps and cross-sections of fracture networks and flow paths, while a manager may want to see summaries and recommendations of the impacts and risks of fracture and flow on the project. Therefore, you should tailor your message and format to suit your audience's needs and preferences.

2 Choose appropriate methods

The second step is to choose appropriate methods to analyze and display your fracture and flow data and results. Depending on the type, quality, and quantity of your data, you may use different techniques such as statistical analysis, numerical modeling, geostatistics, or machine learning to investigate the fracture and flow properties and behavior of your system. Similarly, depending on the purpose, scope, and scale of your presentation, you may use different formats such as tables, charts, graphs, maps, diagrams, animations, or interactive platforms to visualize your fracture and flow data and results. You should select the methods that best suit your data and objectives, and that can convey your findings clearly and accurately.

3 Use common standards

The third step is to use common standards and conventions to communicate and visualize your fracture and flow data and results. This can help you avoid confusion and ambiguity, and enhance the credibility and consistency of your presentation. For example, you should use consistent units, symbols, abbreviations, and terminology throughout your presentation, and follow the accepted standards for fracture and flow nomenclature, classification, characterization, and modeling. You should also cite your sources and references, and acknowledge any limitations or uncertainties in your data and results.

4 Highlight key points

The fourth step is to highlight key points and messages that you want to communicate and visualize to your stakeholders. You should avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information or details that are not relevant or important for your purpose. Instead, you should focus on the main findings, implications, and recommendations of your fracture and flow analysis, and use visual aids such as colors, shapes, labels, legends, captions, or annotations to emphasize them. You should also use clear and concise language, and avoid jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.

5 Provide context

The fifth step is to provide context and background for your fracture and flow data and results. You should explain the rationale, objectives, and methods of your fracture and flow analysis, and how they relate to the broader scope and goals of the project or problem. You should also compare and contrast your data and results with previous studies or existing knowledge, and show how they contribute to the advancement or understanding of the fracture and flow of earth materials. You should also address any questions or feedback that your audience may have, and invite them to discuss or explore further.

6 Use feedback

The sixth step is to use feedback and evaluation to improve your communication and visualization of fracture and flow data and results. You should seek feedback from your stakeholders, peers, or experts on the clarity, accuracy, relevance, and effectiveness of your presentation, and use it to identify any gaps, errors, or areas for improvement. You should also evaluate the impact and outcomes of your presentation, and measure how well it achieved your intended purpose and objectives. You should use feedback and evaluation as a learning opportunity, and as a way to enhance your skills and knowledge in communicating and visualizing fracture and flow data and results.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?