2b:null 2c:["$","title",null,{"children":"Electricity production is resulting in a substantial carbon footprint! | parthivi-varshney | Observable"}] 31:T124e,### Tasks (Why?) : * **T1 :** **[Summarize]** the distribution of resources used to generate electricity across the states of US **[Summarize,Distribution]**. * **T2 :** **[Compare]** the amount of electricity produced for a given state **[Compare, Trend]**. * **T3 :** **[Identify]** the source used for electricity production **[Identify, Feature]**. * **T4 :** **[Identify]** the capacity of a power-plant to generate electricity **[Identify, Feature]**. * **T5 :** **[Compare]** the contribution of different resources in producing electricity **[Compare, Trend]**. * **T6 :** **[Identify]** the states in which a resource is located **[Identify, Distribution]**. * **T7 :** **[Identify]** the operational years of a power plant **[Identify, Extremes]**. ### Data Abstraction (What?) : * **Dataset type:** In general the dataset is **Spatial**, the tooltips on the map also provide operational years of a power plant making the dataset **Temporal** as well. * **Attributes used:** * State * Attribute Type - Categorical * Resource Type * Attribute Type - Categorical * Company (power-plant) * Attribute type - Categorical * Image Type * Attribute type - Categorical, * Year * Attribute type - Ordinal * Capacity * Attribute type - Quantitative * Ordering Directions - Sequential * **Derived Attributes:** A attributed named "Total Capacity" which is an aggregation of total electricity generated by different resources * Attribute Type - Quantitative * Orientation - Sequential * **Availability:** Static * **Source:** [How the US generates electricity](https://www.carbonbrief.org/mapped-how-the-us-generates-electricity/) ### Marks & Channels (How?) : * The data is represented using a 2-D Map. * **Marks:** Points, Lines and Text * **Channels:** - **Color Hue** : To identify different resources. * Attribute : Resource Type * Task : T3 * Representing resources as categorical attributes through the use of distinct colors on the map makes the visualization more **effective** by facilitating resource identification. Using color hue to differentiate between resources enhances the **expressiveness** of the channel, making it easier for the viewer to quickly understand the information being presented. The use of color in this manner greatly enhances the interpret-ability of the visualization and enables the user to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the distribution of energy resources and their capacities. - **Size** : To identify the capacity of power generation of a power plant. * Attribute : Capacity * Task : T4 * The capacity, a quantitative attribute, of each power plant can be **effectively** represented using points of varying sizes in the visualization. This approach provides a concise yet informative representation of the capacity of different power plants. The use of different point sizes enables the viewer to quickly understand the distribution of electricity generation capacities, making the visualization more **expressive** and easier to understand. - **Position** : To identify in which state is the resource/power-plant is located. * Attribute : State * Task : T6 * State, being a categorical attribute, is best represented by the position of the points on the map in the visualization. The location of each point **effectively expresses** the state of a given energy resource, making it the most effective channel for the task of identifying the state of the resources. The use of position as a channel for state information makes it easy for the viewer to quickly identify the location of a given resource, providing a clear and interpret-able representation of the information. - **Length** : To compare the contribution of different resources in electricity generation. * Attribute : Capacity * Task : T5 * Capacity, being a quantitative attribute, is best represented using the length channel in the visualization. The use of length allows for the clear expression and comparison of the capacity of different energy resources, making it an effective channel for the given task. The ability to visualize and compare the capacities of different resources through length enhances the interpret-ability of the visualization and makes it easier for the viewer to understand and evaluate the information being presented. The **effectiveness** of this channel in representing capacity makes it an important tool for providing a clear and **expressive** representation of energy resources and their capacities.32:Td34,### Critique The comprehensive visualization effectively communicates valuable insights. It adheres to the principle of expressiveness and effectiveness by utilizing the channels to their fullest potential. The utilization of varying colors, sizes, and positions enhances the user's ability to identify features, discern distributions, and compare trends. * The visualization effectively and efficiently communicates the complex information regarding the variety of energy resources and power plants across the United States. By plotting the locations of these facilities on a 2D map, it provides a clear and easily understandable representation of the distribution of energy generation capabilities across the country. This allows the user to quickly gain insights into the geographical distribution of energy resources and power plants, and to see the relative distribution of electricity generation capacity in each state. **(T1)**. * The implementation of different colors and point sizes in the visualization effectively serves to aid in the identification of energy resources and accurately represents the electricity generation capacity of each power plant. The use of varying colors and sizes effectively differentiates between the resources and power plants, making it easier for the viewer to quickly understand the distribution of resources and capacities. This enables the user to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the information being presented, and to make more informed comparisons and evaluations of the data. The utilization of these visual aids greatly enhances the effectiveness and interpret-ability of the visualization. **(T3, & T4)**. * The bar graph on the left-hand side provides a comprehensive overview of the aggregate capacity of various energy sources used for electricity generation. By presenting this information in the form of a bar graph, the viewer can quickly grasp the relative proportions of the capacities of the different resources at a glance. **(T5)**. * The drop-down menus located at the top of the map facilitate ease of use and enhance the user experience. These menus allow for simple filtering of states, resources, and image type, enabling quick identification of specific resources, comparison of electricity generation capacities among states, and customization of the map view to suit individual preferences. The ability to filter and adjust the display of information in this manner greatly enhances the utility of the visualization for the user. **(T2, T3)**. * The tool-tips integrated into each point on the map provide a wealth of detailed information to the user, allowing for a deeper understanding of the information being presented. These tool-tips present key information such as the type of energy resource being used, the state in which the power plant is located, its capacity for electricity generation, the number of years it has been in operation, and the name of the power plant itself. This level of detail enables the viewer to gain a comprehensive understanding of each power plant and its associated resource, and to make informed comparisons between different facilities. The inclusion of tool-tips greatly enhances the interpret-ability and usefulness of the visualization, allowing the user to gain a more in-depth understanding of the information being presented. **(T4, T6, & T7)**.33:[{"id":"95fab404f433c845f8a1884ff156d43e94c0f9cb0288d6bcc070691426572623c2523dca6cc2de178824995dc32325fa0cce475f53993d03a8d2729347c3ba2d","href":"https://static.observableusercontent.com/files/95fab404f433c845f8a1884ff156d43e94c0f9cb0288d6bcc070691426572623c2523dca6cc2de178824995dc32325fa0cce475f53993d03a8d2729347c3ba2d","name":"electricity_generation_US.png","type":"image/png","lastModified":1675672534586.147,"size":5240878}] 2f:{"id":"0c63df60820ac9e4","slug":null,"title":"Electricity production is resulting in a substantial carbon footprint!","thumbnail":"61b7c93c406cfd6d5b63222d9c23334893a2b076aa73d4ac769306cba3d203fa","access_level":"public","create_time":"$D2023-02-05T22:50:17.995Z","update_time":"$D2023-02-09T23:15:32.216Z","view_time":null,"first_public_time":"$D2023-02-05T22:50:17.995Z","has_unpublished_edits":null,"fork":false,"stars":0,"starred":false,"owner":{"type":"team","id":"29c4858a5f0f02f2","login":"parthivi-varshney","name":"","avatar_url":"https://avatars-next.observableusercontent.com/a01697cc8144442f2a54ed31fc7c9c20b22e30c1a6fe52d5b38bd526bf019a9d","tier":"starter_2024","bio":""},"version":148,"publish_version":null,"role":null,"authored":false,"authors":[{"type":"individual","id":"36cdff01b518af24","login":"parthivi-varshney","name":"","avatar_url":"https://avatars-next.observableusercontent.com/a01697cc8144442f2a54ed31fc7c9c20b22e30c1a6fe52d5b38bd526bf019a9d","tier":null,"bio":""}],"members":[{"type":"individual","id":"36cdff01b518af24","login":"parthivi-varshney","name":"","avatar_url":"https://avatars-next.observableusercontent.com/a01697cc8144442f2a54ed31fc7c9c20b22e30c1a6fe52d5b38bd526bf019a9d","tier":null,"role":"editor"}],"comments":[],"custom_thumbnail":false,"trashed":false,"lapsed":null,"subscribed":null,"forks":1,"collection":null,"type":"notebook","body":{"titling":"auto","title":"Electricity production is resulting in a substantial carbon footprint!","cells":[{"id":0,"value":"# Electricity production is resulting in a substantial carbon footprint!\nNatural Gas leading the game.\n---","pinned":false,"hidden":false,"mode":"md","author":"$undefined","summary":"$undefined","tool":"$undefined","providerMetadata":"$undefined","attachments":"$undefined","output":"","database":"$undefined"},{"id":4,"value":"Author : [Parthivi Varshney](https://observablehq.com/@pv1995)
\nCourse : [Data Visualization / Information Visualization](https://johnguerra.co/classes/data_visualization_spring_2023/)
\nInstructor : [John Alexis Guerra Gomez](https://observablehq.com/@john-guerra)
\nVideo : [Link to Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd11_bq_Prw)
\nTweet : [Link to Tweet](https://twitter.com/parthivivarshn1/status/1623197790984884225?s=21)\n

","pinned":false,"hidden":false,"mode":"md","author":"$undefined","summary":"$undefined","tool":"$undefined","providerMetadata":"$undefined","attachments":"$undefined","output":"","database":"$undefined"},{"id":6,"value":"### Introduction\nThe US electricity system is often referred to as the largest machine in the world, and it's not hard to see why. It encompasses a diverse range of resources, reflecting the unique policy preferences, needs, and available natural resources of each state. Electricity in the US is generated using a mix of conventional sources such as natural gas, coal, and oil, as well as nuclear power, with renewable resources like wind and solar rapidly gaining ground.
\nAn [interactive web-based visualization](https://www.carbonbrief.org/mapped-how-the-us-generates-electricity/) provides a comprehensive look at the resources, their capacity, and their distribution across all US states.","pinned":false,"hidden":false,"mode":"md","author":"$undefined","summary":"$undefined","tool":"$undefined","providerMetadata":"$undefined","attachments":"$undefined","output":"","database":"$undefined"},{"id":45,"value":"

Distribution of resources across US

Low carbon emitting resources

High carbon emitting resources

Distribution of natural-gas power plants

","pinned":false,"hidden":false,"mode":"html","author":"$undefined","summary":"$undefined","tool":"$undefined","providerMetadata":"$undefined","attachments":"$undefined","output":"","database":"$undefined"},{"id":11,"value":"### Insights\n* Over 50% of of electricity generated in the US is through high carbon emitting resources with natural gas being the most prevalent resource for electricity generation. **(T1,T3, & T5)**\n* While East Coast majorly relies on Natural Gas for electricity generation, Hydro (water) is more a prevalent source of generating electricity in the West. **(T3,T6)**\n* Texas leads the nation in electricity generation, producing a staggering 129,784 Mega Watts, while Vermont generates a comparatively modest 813 Mega Watts. **(T2)**\n* Wind power plants are predominantly located in the mid-eastern states of the US. **(T6)**\n* Grand Coulee, located in Washington state, was the largest electricity-generating power plant during its operational years from 1941 to 1980, producing a maximum output of 6,495 Mega Watts. **(T4,T6, & T7)**","pinned":false,"hidden":false,"mode":"md","author":"$undefined","summary":"$undefined","tool":"$undefined","providerMetadata":"$undefined","attachments":"$undefined","output":"","database":"$undefined"},{"id":13,"value":"$31","pinned":false,"hidden":false,"mode":"md","author":"$undefined","summary":"$undefined","tool":"$undefined","providerMetadata":"$undefined","attachments":"$undefined","output":"","database":"$undefined"},{"id":74,"value":"### Target Audience (Users)\nThe analysis of electricity generation across the US can be used by various stakeholders, including:\n * Policymakers and regulators, who can use the information to make informed decisions on energy policy and regulations.\n * Electric utilities, who can use the information to plan their generation portfolios and investments in new generation facilities.\n * Environmental organizations, who can use the information to assess the impact of electricity generation on the environment and advocate for increased use of low-carbon emitting resources.\n * Researchers, who can use the information to study trends in electricity generation and identify areas for further research and development.\n * Consumers, who can use the information to understand the sources of electricity in their region and make informed decisions about their energy use.\n * Investors, who can use the information to assess investment opportunities in the electricity sector.","pinned":false,"hidden":false,"mode":"md","author":"$undefined","summary":"$undefined","tool":"$undefined","providerMetadata":"$undefined","attachments":"$undefined","output":"","database":"$undefined"},{"id":76,"value":"$32","pinned":false,"hidden":false,"mode":"md","author":"$undefined","summary":"$undefined","tool":"$undefined","providerMetadata":"$undefined","attachments":"$undefined","output":"","database":"$undefined"},{"id":78,"value":"### How can the visualization be made better?\nThe current visualization has a limitation in that it fails to provide a clear and concise representation of the exact electricity generation capacity of each individual energy resource. While it does present a range for the total capacity of each resource, this information is not specific enough to fully understand the distribution of capacities. In order to make the information more useful and informative, a more defined scale that showcases the relative capacities of each resource would be beneficial. By presenting this information in a more specific and easily digestible manner, the visualization would provide a clearer understanding of the capacity of each resource, enabling the viewer to make more informed comparisons and evaluations. The addition of a more defined scale would greatly enhance the usefulness of the visualization and make the information being presented more accessible and understandable.","pinned":false,"hidden":false,"mode":"md","author":"$undefined","summary":"$undefined","tool":"$undefined","providerMetadata":"$undefined","attachments":"$undefined","output":"","database":"$undefined"}],"files":"$W33","stdlib":"1"}} 30:"$2f:body"