Map reading and human visual Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are grid references made of?
Imaginary equally spaced lines (latitudes/longitudes).
How is direction measured between two points?
Using compass readings (N,E,S,W).
How are compass subdivisions named?
Start with N/S (e.g., NE, SW); further subdivisions from nearest cardinal point.
What are compass bearing rules?
Measured in degrees from N/S (never E/W); max 90°.
What is angular bearing?
Degrees from north using a protractor (no compass points).
What does map scale indicate?
Ratio of map units to real-world distance.
How to convert 1:20,000 to statement scale?
convert 20000 cm to real km value –> (20000/100000 = 0.2 km)
1 cm = 0.2 / 1/5 km
5cm = 1 km
How to measure curved lines on maps?
Use string/paper strip, mark endpoints, compare to linear scale.
How does age affect light transmission in eyes?
Older eyes transmit less light, especially short wavelengths.
Why use color in maps?
Attract attention, group elements, indicate meaning, enhance aesthetics.
How many colors should a map use?
~5 max; avoid color-only info (consider colorblind users).
What are harmonious color combinations?
Analogous (adjacent), complementary (opposite), triadic/quadratic.
Why use pure hues?
Show clear differences (e.g., red vs. blue); mixed hues for subtlety.
Best practices for color saturation?
Saturated=attention; desaturated+dark=serious; foreground=warm colors.
What does color NOT affect?
Perceiving shapes, spatial layouts, or movement.
How to design for colorblind users?
Avoid red-green; use yellow-blue; add redundant scales.
RGB model limitations?
No hue/saturation control; unequal visual steps (125≠midpoint of 0-250).
HSV disadvantage?
Same value ≠ same perceived brightness; mixed colors may appear off.
Common color models in mapping?
RGB, CMYK, HSV—none produce perfectly even color spacing.
