The Use of Color in Geographic Maps

Jana Moser (SFB 1199 & IfL) & Philipp Meyer (IfL)

Publication Date

January 2019

Publisher

Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter

Language

English

Type

Book Chapter

Book Title

Science in Color – Visualizing Achromatic Knowledge

Editor

Bettina Bock von Wülfingen

Pages

163–180

Additional Information

Abstract

Color makes its way into natural science images as early as the research process. It serves for self-reflection and for communication within the scientific community. However, color does not follow a standard in the natural sciences: its meaning is contingent, even though culturally conditioned. Digital publishing enhances the use of color in scientific publications; at the same time, globalization promotes the idea of universal color symbolism.

This book investigates the function of color in historical and current visualizations for scientific purposes, its epistemic role as a tool, and its long neglect due to symbolic and gender-specific connotations. The publication thus helps to bridge a long standing research gap in the natural sciences and the humanities.