General Guidelines for the Use of Colour on Electronic Charts

Authors

  • Roy Kaufmann Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, Ontario
  • Stephen J. Glavin Canadian Hydrographic Service

Abstract

An Electronic Chart Testbed has been developed by the Canadian Hydrographic Service for the purposes of investigating design and safety aspects of using electronic charts as a navigational aid for mariners. The proper selection and specification of colour is a fundamental aspect of effective display design. This report outlines the issues involved in the use of colour on displays as they relate to the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). Topics include luminance, high and low ambient illumination, brigthness, display background, colour selection, information clutter, colour coding convention, stimulus size, image location, visual effects, and user characteristics. Since ECDIS is relatively young in its development, the purpose of the review is to provide some general guidelines for selecting and using colours on electronic charts.

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Published

2015-05-15

How to Cite

Kaufmann, R., & Glavin, S. J. (2015). General Guidelines for the Use of Colour on Electronic Charts. The International Hydrographic Review, 67(2). Retrieved from https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/ihr/article/view/23304

Issue

1990: Vol. LXVII, No. 2

Section

Articles

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(i) References from Journals:
 Anders, F.J. and Byrnes, M.R.(1991). “Accuracy of shoreline change rates as determined from maps and aerial photographs”, Shore and Beach, 59, pp. 17-26.

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Foley, J.D., van Dam, A., Feiner, S. K. and Hughes, J.F. (1990), Computer Graphics – Principles and Practice, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA.

(iii) References from the technical material or research   literature: 
Smith, A. (1988). Colour photomapping. Report NRC-01-512. National Research Centre. Ottawa, Canada.

(iv) References from a web site:
desJardins, M. (2005). How to succeed in postgraduate  study, Applied Ecology Research Group, University of Canberra, viewed 26 April 2009, http://aerg.canberra.edu.au/jardins.t.htm.

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