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Understanding and Analyzing Your Data
Start talking with data scientists or technical experts before you collect data
When designing a collaborative heat monitoring project, it is important to build a team that includes data scientists, forecasters, or other technical experts who can be involved in the project long before you collect heat data. These researchers will be able to provide insights and guidance on how to ensure the data meets accepted standards for sound science and that the data you’ve collected is valid and accurate.
Why are experts needed for citizen science heat monitoring projects?
Technically, anyone can purchase heat sensors and collect data. However, researchers and data scientists can help analyze and make sense of the data collected, and ensure that other scientists recognize the data as valid and accurate.
Technical experts may be able to help with some of the following tasks:
Obtaining necessary ethics approvals for human subjects research (for wearable or indoor studies)
Installation and calibration of sensors
Cleaning raw data after it is collected
Management and storage of data
Access to software to conduct more advanced data analysis
Knowledge of commonly accepting weather modeling approaches
Subject-matter expertise on the state of the science of heat
What’s on this page
On this page, we provide some suggestions on where to find experts who can help you work with your data. This page is provided for informational use only and is best used to start conversations with researchers, consultants, or other experts who can provide more detailed advice and help you design a complete campaign.
Experts are everywhere
No matter where you live, there are likely to be at least a few people in your area who have some expertise that could be valuable for a heat monitoring project. In addition to established sources of expertise like local research universities, consulting firms, as well as your state climatologist, consider the following additional (and less-expected) sources of expertise:
Master’s-level GIS or data science programs, which may be offered at research universities as well as smaller liberal arts colleges and community colleges
City or county planners, as well as other state or local officials who use GIS and/or work with datasets regularly for their work
Public school teachers who have prior professional experience with data science or are comfortable working with data
Community-based organizations who use data science as part of their advocacy work
Need help finding an expert to get the most out of your data?
We can help make connections with researchers, Weather Forecast Offices, or other experts.
Heat science is better together.
The Center for Collaborative Heat Monitoring is working towards increasing our capacity to provide consultations and support for community-based heat monitoring campaigns.
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