2025/11/06 by Hong Wang, Lvyin Luo, Xiaotian Yu +3 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Environmental Science · Psychology · #Categorization, perception, and language #Color perception and design #Urban Green Space and Health
paper · doi:10.1080/15230406.2025.2574860
openalex created_date 2025/11/06 · openalex publication_date 2025/11/06 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/24
Color design is an important part of presenting geographic information and has an overall effect on maps. Given the differences in color perception and preferences among different populations, map color design needs to strike a balance between public needs and cartographic standards. Addressing the limitations of existing map color quality assessment methods, such as strong subjectivity and professional complexity, this study proposes a color preference evaluation method of area colors in thematic maps based on the hue-saturation-value (HSV) method. Using maps from China as primary samples, we collected public preference data through questionnaires and quantified key visual features, including average hue and color harmony. Finally, a color preference evaluation model of area colors for thematic maps was established based on CatBoost. This method not only enables nonprofessional cartographers to efficiently select appropriate color schemes, but also assists professional cartographers in achieving a balance between public preferences and cartographic standards, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of map information communication.