Spatial Pattern Recall / An Analysis Of The Aesthetic Use Of Color

Abstract
Cartographers frequently use color on maps to create an aesthetically pleasing display that will hopefully attract a reader's attention. One wonders whether the addition of color to a display for aesthetic purposes will also enhance the transfer of information. In this context, this study analyzes one element of information transfer, the ability of readers to recall the spatial pattern of symbols on a graduated circle map when the pattern is shown in different colors. The results indicate that if the recall period is relatively short (about 5 minutes), color has no significant effect on recall. A secondary result is that sex has no significant effect on the ability to recall patterns on graduated circle maps. For the purpose of comparing a recall map with an original stimulus, maps were ranked both mathematically and visually. The lack of complete agreement between these rankings indicates that further work needs to be done with pattern comparison on graduated circle maps.

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