Open map List

Colour Scheme

A color scheme in cartography refers to the systematic selection and arrangement of colors used on a map to represent different features, data values, or themes. A well-designed color scheme enhances readability, improves data interpretation, and ensures accessibility for diverse audiences.

Basic

Introduction

Key Characteristics of a Color Scheme in Maps:

  • Enhances data visualization by effectively grouping and distinguishing elements.
  • Uses logical color progression to represent trends, categories, or spatial patterns.
  • Considers accessibility to ensure visibility for colorblind users.

Explanation

Types of Color Schemes in Cartography:

  1. Qualitative (Categorical) Color Scheme:

    • Uses distinct, unrelated colors to differentiate categories.
    • Best for nominal data (e.g., land use, political boundaries).
    • Example: Different colors for different countries on a world map.
       

  2. Sequential Color Scheme:

    • Uses a gradient of light to dark colors to represent ordered data.
    • Best for continuous or ranked data (e.g., elevation, temperature, population density).
    • Example: Light blue for low rainfall, dark blue for high rainfall.
       

  3. Diverging Color Scheme:

    • Uses two contrasting colors blending toward a neutral middle value.
    • Best for data with a meaningful center point (e.g., temperature deviation, election results).
    • Example: Blue for colder-than-average areas, red for warmer-than-average areas.

Examples

Examples of Common Color Choices:

Color Common Usage in Maps
Blue Water, cold temperatures
Green Forests, vegetation
Brown Elevation, terrain
Red Population density, hazards
Yellow Dry areas, sandy regions
Gray/Black Urban areas, roads

Outgoing relations

  • Colour Scheme is subconcept of Colour