Abstract:
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Color is a powerful method for symbolizing data and a temptation for flash over substance. The three dimensions of color hue, lightness, and saturation provide the foundation for color designation and, combined with appropriate rationale for selection, can result in clearer visual displays that are readable in less time. More importantly, they facilitate the representation of complex information clearly, which is important both in visualization and presentation graphics. General guidelines for using color substantively include: matching color characteristics to the type of data being represented, selecting colors that are distinguishable by people with color vision impairments as well as those with normal color vision, avoiding color combinations that will result in misreadings due to surround, and using visually appealing selections that invite the reader to explore the display. The ubiquitous use of computer displays offers opportunities for the use of color but also increases the responsibility of users to be informed about how to do so effectively. Thematic and other geographic maps will be used to demonstrate the principles and concepts of color usage in data display.
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