ABSTRACT
Selecting an effective color scheme is one of the most crucial steps in designing a powerful and useful map, regardless of whether it is for print or the Web. This chapter first reviews the three properties of color, then moves on to explore the different types of color combinations that are possible for you to use on your Web maps. I then review a few best practice rules from print cartography that stand firm. Once that is done, we dive into a refresher on several color models, including an explanation of hexadecimal versus decimal RGB (red-green-blue) color classifications. The chapter concludes with an in-depth look at things to consider when designing color schemes for base maps, reference maps, and thematic maps.
