Visual Storytelling in Geodesy: Connecting Science with Society
Abstract
Effectively communicating geodesy’s role in advancing our understanding of the dynamic Earth system — by measuring and quantifying our planet’s changes across space and time — is essential for raising public awareness and support for this crucial science. To bridge knowledge gaps and engage diverse audiences, the International Association of Geodesy’s (IAG) Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) has launched a variety of outreach and educational initiatives. These efforts aim to demystify geodesy, making it accessible to both scientists and the general public through visual storytelling and user-friendly online platforms (geodesy.science/ggos). One of the latest innovations is the development of geodesy-themed cartoons (geodesy.science/cartoon), which introduce key geodetic concepts, products, and observation techniques in a visually engaging and relatable format. These cartoons also address critical societal challenges — such as climate change and tectonic activity —making geodesy more approachable for audiences of all ages. This visual storytelling approach complements other GGOS outreach tools, including multilingual educational videos (youtube.com/@iag-ggos), and active social media engagement on platforms. By showcasing these initiatives, we aim to gather feedback and new ideas from the geodetic community to further improve and expand our outreach efforts. Through collaboration and shared insights, we strive to enhance the visibility and relevance of geodesy, helping both scientists and the public better understand its critical role in monitoring Earth's ongoing changes and challenges.