Limits of Colour Perception in the Context of Minimum Dimensions in Digital Cartography

Abstract

The commonly used methods in digital cartography are based on the minimum dimensions of black and white objects. This article presents a solution in which both the colour of the symbols and the background on which they are presented are relevant in the context of setting the minimum dimensions of the objects on a map. To achieve this, the authors have developed a perception coefficient that is an extension of the formal definitions of minimum object dimensions. In support of the presented solutions, the authors offer several cartographic examples. The article also contains experimental research that examines the impact of colour on the recognition of objects by means of specially prepared surveys. These results are compared against the theoretical values of the perception coefficient. The research objective was achieved by developing new solutions that could be used in the cartographic production processes of any national map agency.

Keywords

• minimum dimensions
• digital mapping
• generalisation
• visual perception
• cartography
• geovisualisation
• GIS