<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Color is part of the visual variables in map, serving an aesthetic part and as a guide of attention. Impaired color vision affects the ability to distinguish colors, which makes the task of decoding the map colors difficult. Map reading is reported as a challenging task for these observers, especially when the size of stimuli is small. The aim of this study is to review existing methods for map design for color vision deficient users. A systematic review of research literature and case studies of map design for CVD observers has been conducted in order to give an overview of current knowledge and future research challenges. In addition, relevant research on simulations of CVD and color image enhancement for these observers from other fields of industry is included. The study identified two main approaches: pre-processing by using accessible colors and post-processing by using enhancement methods. Some of the methods may be applied for maps, but requires tailoring of test images according to map types.</p>
The ability of identifying objects and elements based on colour is important in order to decode the information in a map or other information graphics. For this reason, the colours need to appear correct and be perceived in the desired and intended way. Map reading is reported as a challenging task for people with impaired colour vision. In reviews of the challenges of colour vision deficiencies (CVD) in everyday life (Cole, 2004), up to 60 % of the subjects in the studies reported problems in reading colour coded charts, slides and prints. Other studies (Carter and Silverstein, 2010) describes the difficulties to distinguish and identify coloured objects in weather, financial and other maps and charts.Colour vision deficiencies are common, where congenital CVD affects about 8 % of the male population and 0.4 % of the female population. In addition, colour vision and colour perception may be affected by medical conditions or injury (acquired CVD) and situational conditions (situation induced CVD).
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.