{"id":90683,"date":"2024-09-04T08:37:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T13:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/?p=90683"},"modified":"2024-11-10T08:16:17","modified_gmt":"2024-11-10T14:16:17","slug":"color-combinations-maps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/color-combinations-maps\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Types of Color Combinations for Maps"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-image90683_a1b43a-29 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image90683_a1b43a-29 size-medium_large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Color-Combinations-Maps-768x422.jpg\" alt=\"Color Combinations Maps\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-90684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Color-Combinations-Maps-768x422.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Color-Combinations-Maps-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Color-Combinations-Maps-678x373.jpg 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Color-Combinations-Maps-200x110.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Color-Combinations-Maps-425x234.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Color-Combinations-Maps-550x303.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Color-Combinations-Maps-115x63.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Color-Combinations-Maps-360x198.jpg 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Color-Combinations-Maps.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Color Combinations in Maps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Color combinations in maps can <strong>make a big difference<\/strong>. They help us understand the map better. Plus, they can help readers grasp information quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are five main color combinations you should know about. This article will highlight <strong>color combinations in maps<\/strong>. You&#8217;ll also learn when to use each one.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Continuous color schemes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuous color schemes show a <strong>smooth range of values<\/strong>. They are good for blending colors without sharp boundaries. But because the transition between colors is seamless, it may be difficult to see small differences.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image90683_712791-e1 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image90683_712791-e1\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"339\" height=\"221\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Continuous-Color-Schemes.jpg\" alt=\"Continuous Color Schemes\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-90685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Continuous-Color-Schemes.jpg 339w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Continuous-Color-Schemes-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Continuous-Color-Schemes-200x130.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Continuous-Color-Schemes-115x75.jpg 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 339px) 100vw, 339px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of scheme is ideal for data that changes gradually, like temperature or elevation. For example, a map might use shades of blue to red to represent cold to hot temperatures. <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/arcgis-heat-map\/\">Heat maps<\/a> use this type of color scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While continuous color schemes are visually appealing, they require a careful selection of colors. More variation means it can capture more detail. So, the right color gradient can make data stand out or blend in, depending on the goal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Discrete color schemes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Discrete color schemes use <strong>distinct colors<\/strong> to represent different categories or values. Unlike continuous schemes, there are clear boundaries between colors.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image90683_e8a48a-6b.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image90683_e8a48a-6b .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:150px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image90683_e8a48a-6b.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image90683_e8a48a-6b .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image90683_e8a48a-6b figure{max-width:150px;}.kb-image90683_e8a48a-6b .image-is-svg, .kb-image90683_e8a48a-6b .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image90683_e8a48a-6b .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image90683_e8a48a-6b\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"179\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Discrete-Color-Schemes-179x300.jpg\" alt=\"Discrete Color Schemes\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-90686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Discrete-Color-Schemes-179x300.jpg 179w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Discrete-Color-Schemes-119x200.jpg 119w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Discrete-Color-Schemes-115x193.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Discrete-Color-Schemes.jpg 182w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 179px) 100vw, 179px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach is perfect for maps showing specific groups, like <a href=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/free-global-land-cover-land-use-data\/\">land use<\/a> types or political boundaries. For example, a map could use different colors to differentiate between forest, urban, and water areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because each color stands alone, it&#8217;s easy to distinguish between categories at a glance. Discrete color schemes simplify complex information, making maps more <strong>readable<\/strong>. While choosing colors, it&#8217;s important to ensure they are distinct enough to avoid confusion.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Random color schemes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Random color schemes don&#8217;t follow a specific pattern or logic in their color choices. They use a variety of colors chosen <strong>without a particular order<\/strong> or relationship to the data.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image90683_c3f55e-55 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image90683_c3f55e-55\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"339\" height=\"221\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Random-Color-Schemes.jpg\" alt=\"Random Color Schemes\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-90687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Random-Color-Schemes.jpg 339w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Random-Color-Schemes-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Random-Color-Schemes-200x130.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Random-Color-Schemes-115x75.jpg 115w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 339px) 100vw, 339px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the colors don&#8217;t relate to data values or categories, <strong>interpretation can be more challenging<\/strong>. Random color schemes are best for engaging viewers&#8217; attention rather than detailed analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a map highlighting various festival locations might use random colors to <strong>make each spot pop out<\/strong>. So, even though random color schemes can be visually striking, they are less common in professional maps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Multipart color schemes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Multipart color schemes allow you to <strong>split a set of values into groups<\/strong>. After you split them into groups, you can apply different color gradients to each one.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image90683_4361da-1c .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image90683_4361da-1c\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"384\" height=\"136\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Multipart-Color-Schemes.jpg\" alt=\"Multipart Color Schemes\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-90688\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Multipart-Color-Schemes.jpg 384w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Multipart-Color-Schemes-300x106.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Multipart-Color-Schemes-200x71.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Multipart-Color-Schemes-115x41.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Multipart-Color-Schemes-360x128.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, you can apply a yellow-to-red gradient from 0 to 5. Then, you can apply a blue-to-green gradient from 5 to 20. Next, you can continue adding different gradients for above 20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of color scheme works for discrete and continuous data. For breaks, it&#8217;s possible to assign each color gradient <strong>based on percent values<\/strong> and discrete values.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Bivariate color schemes&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bivariate color schemes display two numerical variables. Each variable has its own color gradients. This type of color scheme shows the interaction between these variables by <strong>mixing them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image90683_2e8d14-26 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image90683_2e8d14-26\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"567\" height=\"233\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bivariate-Color-Schemes.jpg\" alt=\"Bivariate Color Schemes\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-90689\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bivariate-Color-Schemes.jpg 567w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bivariate-Color-Schemes-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bivariate-Color-Schemes-200x82.jpg 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bivariate-Color-Schemes-425x175.jpg 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bivariate-Color-Schemes-550x226.jpg 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bivariate-Color-Schemes-115x47.jpg 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Bivariate-Color-Schemes-360x148.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 567px) 100vw, 567px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, a map could use one color to represent population density and another for average income. Both are values (not categorical data). This creates a unique blend where these variables intersect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If both variables have <strong>high values<\/strong>, it will show a blend of the highest color gradient colors. But if both <strong>values are low<\/strong>, then it will display a combination of colors at the low end of the gradients.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What color combinations are easiest to read?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Color combinations that are easiest to read often <strong>contrast well<\/strong> and cater to a wide audience. Using patterns or textures in addition to color can also improve readability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Designers might opt for color palettes specifically tested for color blindness. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/colorbrewer2.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ColorBrewer<\/a> contains palettes that are both aesthetically pleasing and readable.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image90683_451b42-96 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}.kb-image90683_451b42-96 img.kb-img, .kb-image90683_451b42-96 .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid #8f8e8e;border-right:1px solid #8f8e8e;border-bottom:1px solid #8f8e8e;border-left:1px solid #8f8e8e;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-image90683_451b42-96 img.kb-img, .kb-image90683_451b42-96 .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid #8f8e8e;border-right:1px solid #8f8e8e;border-bottom:1px solid #8f8e8e;border-left:1px solid #8f8e8e;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-image90683_451b42-96 img.kb-img, .kb-image90683_451b42-96 .kb-img img{border-top:1px solid #8f8e8e;border-right:1px solid #8f8e8e;border-bottom:1px solid #8f8e8e;border-left:1px solid #8f8e8e;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image90683_451b42-96\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium-plus\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-550x350.png\" alt=\"ColorBrewer\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-63873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-550x350.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-678x432.png 678w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-768x489.png 768w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-50x32.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-200x127.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-425x271.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-115x73.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-1265x805.png 1265w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer-360x229.png 360w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/ColorBrewer.png 1288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Monochromatic schemes, using various shades of a single color, can also be effective. As long as colors provide enough contrast, these palettes are classic and suit a wide audience.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a good color combination for a map?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A good color combination for a map <strong>depends on its purpose<\/strong>. For clarity, it&#8217;s best to use contrasting colors. This approach helps in distinguishing between areas at a glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try using common <strong>conventional color schemes<\/strong>. For example, use cool colors like blues and greens for low values and warm colors like reds and oranges for high values.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image90683_01a07f-6f .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image90683_01a07f-6f\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"316\" src=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Natural-Breaks-Jenks-Choropleth-Map-1.png\" alt=\"Natural Breaks Jenks Choropleth Map\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-11947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Natural-Breaks-Jenks-Choropleth-Map-1.png 640w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Natural-Breaks-Jenks-Choropleth-Map-1-300x148.png 300w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Natural-Breaks-Jenks-Choropleth-Map-1-50x25.png 50w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Natural-Breaks-Jenks-Choropleth-Map-1-200x99.png 200w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Natural-Breaks-Jenks-Choropleth-Map-1-425x210.png 425w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Natural-Breaks-Jenks-Choropleth-Map-1-550x272.png 550w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Natural-Breaks-Jenks-Choropleth-Map-1-115x57.png 115w, https:\/\/gisgeography.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Natural-Breaks-Jenks-Choropleth-Map-1-314x155.png 314w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For cluttered maps, consider using a color scheme that includes <strong>both bright and muted tones<\/strong>. Bright colors can highlight important areas. Whereas muted tones provide background information without overwhelming the viewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the choice of colors should <strong>reflect the map&#8217;s theme<\/strong>. For instance, greens and browns are often used for natural landscapes, while grays and blues might be better for urban maps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary: Color Combinations for Maps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The choice of color combinations in maps impacts their readability, interpretation, and effectiveness. Understanding the various color schemes\u2014continuous, discrete, random, multipart, and bivariate\u2014allows map creators to <strong>convey geographic data effectively<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have any questions about color combinations? But remember that before you ask, nothing is set in stone. There are <strong>no golden rules<\/strong> that you have to follow in cartography. We\u2019d still love any feedback that you have in the comment section below.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Color combinations in maps can make a big difference. They help us understand the map better and help readers grasp information quickly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":90684,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[108],"tags":[525],"class_list":["post-90683","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maps-cartography","tag-map-design"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>5 Types of Color Combinations for Maps - GIS Geography<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Color combinations in maps can make a big difference. 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