Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Due to the high complexity and interaction of effects it is almost impos-
sible to come up with straightforward rules or a set of color schemes that fits
every use case. Thus, we state that the design of color schemes cannot solely
be done on the basis of four design guidelines, but this has to be supported by
the use of decision criteria. They are necessary to further define the use case
specific objective of the map, user tasks and to adjust the scheme to the
respective requirements.
The guidelines for color design—(1) harmonical hierarchy, (2) match
value or class distances and color distances, (3) consistency of colors, and
(4) avoid colors that are not suitable for (situational) color vision deficien-
cies—are based on research in color science and cartography. The design of a
color scheme to represent sound pressure level in maps showed its relevance
and proved there was need to come up with decision criteria to choose a final
scheme. The decision criteria are in a preliminary state and have to be refined
by considering a variety of use cases. Of particular importance is the consid-
eration of emotional responses and the effects on trust; initial foundations for
this have been laid by Skarlatidou et al. (
2011
) and Fabrikant et al. (
2012
).
Additional research on color distance and the combination of effects of hue,
lightness and saturation on the association of colors with respective data
values and the interpretation of maps is needed to establish clearer rules.
Results of the latest user study on the association of the proposed color
scheme showed the essential role of connotations with hue and the amount
of red/blue that is decisive if a color is interpreted being warm or cool. Results
also gave an indication of the perception of color distances, but systematic
experiments are needed to analyze patterns.
As soon as the guidelines and decision criteria have been refined by adapting
them to other use cases and considering existing factors for color design as
describedinSlocumetal.(
2009
), a comprehensive framework can be presented.
It will not only list several aspects, but it will also connect them with straight-
forward recommendations and illustrations in a decision tree. Then this frame-
work can supplement prevalent mapping tools like
ColorBrewer
.
References
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Borland D, Taylor RM (2007) Rainbow color map (still) considered harmful. Comput Graph Appl
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Brewer CA (1994) Color use guidelines for mapping and visualization. In: MacEachren AM,
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