F.L.T. VAN DER WEIDEN and F.J. ORMELING*
An inquiry into the associative properties of colour, as applied to cartography
1. INTRODUCTION
An important requirement in map design is that map elements should be
identifiable and recognizable at the moment the observer sees the map. That is to say,
an image perception has to be experienced of what is shown. To promote an optimal
readability of the map, colour among other things, can be used to differentiate, create
regularity and uniformity and place stress on the map elements. The map maker has to
keep the physical, physiological and psychological aspects of colour in mind, while at
the same time realizing that printing techniques and the extent of areal distributions
on the map confronts him with certain restrictions. These multifarious aspects make it
difficult to determine a correct colour scheme which, besides being applicable to
topographic and thematic maps in general, has to be applicable to all maps published
by a certain country.
One of the questions which presents itself when considering the psychological
aspects of colour is: How does colour influence the thought-, emotional- and will-
processes of a human being? What relationship is there between a certain concept and
a certain colour? In other words what kind of symbology is brought forward in a
person s mind when viewing a certain colour? The associative and even suggestive
properties of colour mentioned here, have been the subject of an inquiry conducted**
by the Cartographic Section of the Geographical Institute of the State University of
Utrecht, the Netherlands. The purpose of the study was to formulate (from possible
results) recommendations, for the use of colours on Dutch maps. Only the difference
in colour-hue and not the difference in grey-value or colour chroma, were taken into
account in this study.
2. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE (See flg. 1)
Arranged horizontally along the top of the questionnaire are ten colours, which also
appear on a colour-chart printed on an attached form. Vertically arranged appear
columns with ninety catch words, containing abstract as well as concrete concepts.
Among these ninety catchwords there are about fifty which could have been taken
from a map legend. These are grouped in various themes, such as minerals, soils, land
use, climate, hydrography, relief, means of income, population, rcligion and products.
The sequential arrangement of the catchwords has been chosen in such a manner that
no suggestive answers can be derived from the arrangement. For example, diametric-
aUy opposed concepts have not been placed close together. To prevent association
with, or influencing by the use of colour on existing maps, the participant was not
informed that the questionnaire originated from the Geographical Institute. In
addition, the word 'map' was carefully omitted from the request for participation. The
participant was only informed that the questionnaire dealt with an inquiry of the
University about colour associations.
282
K.N.A G. Geografisch Tijdschrift VI (1972) Nr. 3
