[id: 94]

SDG 13 Map Literacy: Communicating Climate Risks Through Adaptive Thematic Mapping Techniques

Short description: Study how different cartographic representations influence climate-risk understanding and SDG 13 awareness.

Keywords:  SDG 13, climate mapping, thematic cartography, perception studies, communication cartography

Topic at: TU Vienna

Staff involved: Georg Gartner (georg.gartner@tuwien.ac.at)  

Description:

This thesis investigates how map design choices affect public understanding of climate change risks—such as flood probability, heat stress, drought zones, or air pollution trends. Several thematic map styles (choropleth, dasymetric, bivariate, uncertainty-aware) will be designed and tested in a perception experiment. Participants will be evaluated on comprehension, risk perception, and decision-making. The goal is to determine which cartographic techniques best support SDG 13 (Climate Action) through clear, fair, and trust-building communication.  

Literature/references:

  1. Brewer, C. (2016). Designing Better Maps.
  2. UNEP (2021). Climate Action for SDG 13.