Evaluation of a Model for Predicting Simultaneous Contrast on Color Maps

Perceptions of colors of individual map symbols are affected by simultaneous contrast, or induction, from surrounding colors. In an experiment with human subjects, reaction times were significantly slower, with significantly more errors, for test maps on which an induction model predicted that colors would be misinterpreted. Reaction times and error rates improved significantly with map color adjustments that the model predicted would remove induced confusions. These results represent progress toward establishing objective guidance for the design of effective color schemes in computer-assisted mapping environments common in cartography, geographic information systems, and scientific visualization.