Public-facing geospatial dashboards and scoring tools can communicate complex information and support decision making. Strong graphic design, clear data communication, and thoughtful accessibility practices can make these tools more effective for a wide range of users. TRB hosted a webinar on Friday, October 30, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Eastern that explored practices for creating effective, accessible, and visually clear public-facing geospatial tools. Presenters discussed graphic design fundamentals for maps including color, typography, and visual hierarchy; approaches for communicating performance measures and safety data to non-technical audiences; and considerations for accessibility and usability. Drawing on findings from NCHRP Project 08-167, Guide for Creating Effective Transportation Visualizations, and examples from state and regional agencies, presenters shared practical approaches transportation agencies can apply when developing and improving their own geospatial tools.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Standing Technical Committee on Geospatial and Visual Analytics.
The slides are available. 

Webinar agenda and presenters

• Accessibility and usability of public-facing geospatial tools – Jerry Scott, Florida Department of Transportation
• Graphic design fundamentals for map visualization – Melissa Abadie, DKS Associates
• Data visualization fundamentals for performance measures and dashboards – Charles Lattimer, University of Maryland
• Question and answer session moderated by Chris Bardash, Texas Department of Transportation

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Apply graphic design principles to improve the clarity and usability of transportation geospatial products
• Evaluate strategies for communicating complex data such as composite scores, crash metrics, and condition ratings to non-technical audiences through public-facing tools

Professional Development Hours
This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.
American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits
This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.