CTEVT 📚 Cartography – Chapter 9: Colour (Full Chapter + Free PDF + Illustrations)
🚀 Why is colour one of the most powerful elements in cartography?
Imagine looking at a map where every feature is black and white. Rivers, forests, roads, buildings, and elevation would all look similar, making interpretation difficult.
Colour transforms a map from a collection of symbols into an easy-to-understand visual language.
Chapter 9 of Cartography (EG 2201 GE) in the CTEVT Diploma in Geomatics Engineering (4th Semester) introduces the theory and practical application of colour in map design. It explains how cartographers use colour to improve readability, communicate information, establish hierarchy, and produce aesthetically pleasing maps.
You'll also learn modern concepts like Digital Landscape Model (DLM) and Digital Cartographic Model (DCM), which form the foundation of today's GIS and digital mapping systems.
📥 Download Free PDF Notes, understand colour theory, learn map colouring principles, and prepare confidently for CTEVT examinations.
📌 Overview
Colour is one of the visual variables used in cartography to distinguish geographic features and communicate information effectively.
Proper use of colour helps users:
- Identify different map features quickly
- Understand relationships between objects
- Recognize patterns and distributions
- Improve map readability
- Reduce interpretation errors
- Enhance map appearance
A poorly coloured map can confuse users, while a well-designed colour map communicates information almost instantly.
"Good cartography is not simply drawing maps—it is communicating information visually."
🎥 Watch the Full Cartography Chapter 9 Video
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📚 What is Covered in Chapter 9: Colour
This chapter introduces the principles of colour theory and explains how colours are selected and applied in traditional and digital cartography.
Topics include:
✔ Introduction of Colour
✔ Colour Wheel
✔ Colour Scheme
✔ Colour Language
✔ Digital Landscape Model (DLM)
✔ Digital Cartographic Model (DCM)
✔ 9.1 Introduction of Colour
Colour is the visual sensation produced when light of different wavelengths reaches the human eye.
In cartography, colour is used to:
- Differentiate map features
- Represent quantitative information
- Represent qualitative information
- Show hierarchy
- Improve aesthetics
- Guide visual attention
Without colours, complex maps become difficult to interpret.
Components of Colour
Every colour has three important properties.
1. Hue
Hue refers to the actual colour.
Examples:
- Red
- Green
- Blue
- Yellow
- Orange
- Violet
Different hues are used to distinguish different categories.
Example:
Blue → Water
Green → Forest
Brown → Contours
Black → Buildings
Red → Roads
2. Value (Brightness)
Value indicates how light or dark a colour is.
Light colours
- represent low intensity
- appear soft
Dark colours
- represent higher importance
- attract more attention
Example:
Light green → Grassland
Dark green → Dense forest
3. Saturation (Intensity)
Saturation describes the purity of a colour.
High saturation
- Bright
- Vivid
- Eye-catching
Low saturation
- Dull
- Greyish
- Soft appearance
Highly saturated colours are used only where emphasis is required.
Importance of Colour in Maps
Colour helps:
✔ Differentiate features
✔ Improve visual appeal
✔ Highlight important information
✔ Increase reading speed
✔ Reduce confusion
✔ Improve memory retention
General Colour Conventions
Most maps follow internationally accepted colour standards.
| Colour | Represents |
|---|---|
| Blue | Water bodies |
| Green | Forest, vegetation |
| Brown | Contours, relief |
| Black | Buildings, names |
| Red | Major roads, important features |
| Yellow | Agricultural land |
| Grey | Urban area |
| White | Snow or glaciers |
These conventions allow users to interpret maps quickly without referring to the legend repeatedly.
Colour in Different Types of Maps
Topographic Maps
Blue → Rivers
Brown → Contours
Green → Forest
Black → Buildings
Red → Roads
Land Use Maps
Green → Forest
Yellow → Agriculture
Grey → Urban
Blue → Water
Geological Maps
Different rock formations are represented using different colours.
Soil Maps
Different soil types use different colour combinations.
Population Density Maps
Usually use light-to-dark colour gradients.
Example:
Light colour → Low population
Dark colour → High population
Advantages of Using Colour
✅ Faster interpretation
✅ Better communication
✅ Easy classification
✅ Attractive appearance
✅ Improved decision making
✅ Better GIS visualization
Limitations
Improper colour selection may:
- confuse users
- hide important information
- create visual fatigue
- make printing difficult
- become unreadable for colour-blind users
Therefore, colour selection should always follow cartographic principles.
✔ Practical Example
Suppose we prepare a land use map.
Instead of writing
Forest
Agriculture
River
Settlement
Road
We simply use colours.
Green → Forest
Yellow → Agriculture
Blue → River
Grey → Settlement
Red → Road
A user can understand the entire map within seconds.
📝 Key Points for Examination
Remember:
- Colour is a visual variable.
- Colour improves communication.
- Hue, Value and Saturation are three important properties.
- International colour conventions are followed in mapping.
- Proper colour selection improves readability.
- Colour should never reduce map clarity.\
✔ 9.2 Colour Wheel
The Colour Wheel is a circular diagram that shows the relationship between different colours. It was first developed by Sir Isaac Newton and is widely used in art, design, printing, and cartography.
In cartography, the colour wheel helps cartographers select colours that are visually balanced, easy to distinguish, and suitable for representing different geographic features.
A proper understanding of the colour wheel helps create maps that are both scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing.
Definition
A Colour Wheel is a circular arrangement of colours that illustrates how colours are related and how new colours can be produced by mixing existing ones.
It helps cartographers:
- Select suitable map colours.
- Create balanced colour combinations.
- Improve map readability.
- Avoid colour conflicts.
- Design attractive thematic maps.
Components of the Colour Wheel
The colour wheel mainly consists of:
- Primary Colours
- Secondary Colours
- Tertiary Colours
Primary Colours
Primary colours are the basic colours that cannot be produced by mixing any other colours.
Traditional cartography follows the RYB (Red-Yellow-Blue) model.
The three primary colours are:
🔴 Red
🟡 Yellow
🔵 Blue
These colours are used to produce all other colours.
Characteristics of Primary Colours
- Pure colours
- Highest visual importance
- Foundation of all colour combinations
- Used to create secondary colours
Practical Uses in Cartography
Red
- Major highways
- Administrative boundaries
- Important landmarks
Blue
- Rivers
- Lakes
- Oceans
- Water bodies
Yellow
- Agricultural land
- Open fields
- Dry vegetation
Secondary Colours
Secondary colours are produced by mixing two primary colours in equal proportions.
| Primary Colours | Secondary Colour |
|---|---|
| Red + Yellow | Orange |
| Yellow + Blue | Green |
| Blue + Red | Violet (Purple) |
Examples
🔴 + 🟡 = 🟠 Orange
🟡 + 🔵 = 🟢 Green
🔵 + 🔴 = 🟣 Violet
Uses in Mapping
Green
- Forest
- Vegetation
- National Parks
Orange
- Transitional land use
- Hazard maps
- Construction zones
Violet
- Special thematic layers
- Administrative themes
- Research maps
Tertiary Colours
Tertiary colours are formed by mixing one primary colour with one adjacent secondary colour.
Examples include:
Red-Orange
Yellow-Orange
Yellow-Green
Blue-Green
Blue-Violet
Red-Violet
These colours provide smoother colour transitions and are widely used in thematic maps.
Importance of Tertiary Colours
They help:
- Represent gradual changes.
- Improve colour harmony.
- Create smooth visual transitions.
- Reduce abrupt colour changes.
Types of Colour Wheels
Although many colour wheels exist, cartographers commonly use:
Traditional Colour Wheel (RYB)
Used in art and conventional map design.
RGB Colour Wheel
Used in digital displays such as:
- GIS
- QGIS
- ArcGIS
- Google Maps
Primary colours:
Red
Green
Blue
CMYK Colour Wheel
Used in map printing.
Colours:
Cyan
Magenta
Yellow
Black
Professional cartographic printing generally follows the CMYK colour model.
Warm and Cool Colours
Colours are divided into two major groups.
Warm Colours
Warm colours create feelings of:
- Heat
- Energy
- Activity
- Importance
Examples:
Red
Orange
Yellow
Cartographic Uses
- Urban areas
- Roads
- Hazard zones
- Population concentration
- Volcanic regions
Warm colours naturally attract attention.
Cool Colours
Cool colours create feelings of:
- Calmness
- Stability
- Nature
- Distance
Examples:
Blue
Green
Violet
Cartographic Uses
Water bodies
Forest
National Parks
Environmental maps
Climate maps
Complementary Colours
Complementary colours are opposite each other on the colour wheel.
Examples:
Red ↔ Green
Blue ↔ Orange
Yellow ↔ Violet
Advantages
They create:
- Strong contrast
- High visibility
- Better feature separation
Practical Example
A thematic map showing:
Forest → Green
Deforested area → Red
Immediately shows areas of concern because red and green strongly contrast.
Analogous Colours
Analogous colours are located next to each other on the colour wheel.
Examples:
Blue
Blue-Green
Green
These colours create a smooth and natural appearance.
Uses
- Relief maps
- Land cover maps
- Vegetation maps
- Climate maps
Triadic Colours
Triadic colours are three colours equally spaced on the colour wheel.
Example:
Red
Yellow
Blue
Triadic schemes provide balanced contrast while maintaining harmony.
Split Complementary Colours
Instead of using the direct complementary colour, two neighbouring colours are used.
Example:
Blue with Yellow-Orange and Red-Orange.
Advantages:
- Softer appearance
- Less visual strain
- Better thematic balance
Colour Harmony
Colour harmony refers to arranging colours so they appear pleasant and easy to understand.
A harmonious map:
✔ looks attractive
✔ reduces confusion
✔ highlights important information
✔ improves interpretation
Poor harmony creates cluttered and confusing maps.
Rules for Choosing Colours
A cartographer should:
✔ Use internationally accepted colour conventions.
✔ Avoid using too many bright colours.
✔ Maintain sufficient contrast.
✔ Use similar colours for related features.
✔ Ensure readability after printing.
✔ Consider colour-blind users whenever possible.
Colour Wheel in GIS
Modern GIS software uses colour wheels for symbol design.
Examples:
ArcGIS
QGIS
AutoCAD Map
Global Mapper
Google Earth
Users can select:
- Hue
- Saturation
- Brightness
- Transparency
using digital colour pickers based on the colour wheel.
Practical Applications
Example 1
A topographic map uses:
Blue → Rivers
Green → Forest
Brown → Contours
Black → Buildings
Red → Roads
The colour wheel helps ensure these colours are visually distinct and easy to interpret.
Example 2
A land use map may use:
Dark Green → Dense forest
Light Green → Grassland
Yellow → Agriculture
Grey → Urban area
Blue → Water bodies
These colours are chosen based on harmony and readability.
Advantages of Understanding the Colour Wheel
✔ Better map design
✔ Attractive layouts
✔ Improved communication
✔ Proper colour balance
✔ Professional appearance
✔ Easier feature identification
Examination Tips
Remember these key facts:
- Primary colours: Red, Yellow, Blue (RYB).
- Secondary colours are formed by mixing two primary colours.
- Tertiary colours are formed by mixing one primary and one adjacent secondary colour.
- Warm colours attract attention; cool colours create a calm effect.
- Complementary colours provide the highest contrast.
- Colour harmony improves both readability and aesthetics.
- RGB is mainly used for digital displays, while CMYK is used for printing.
✔ 9.3 Colour Scheme
A colour scheme is the systematic arrangement and selection of colours used in a map to represent different geographical features or thematic information.
An effective colour scheme makes a map:
- Easy to read
- Visually balanced
- Scientifically meaningful
- Attractive
- Easy to interpret
Poor colour selection can confuse users and reduce the effectiveness of the map.
Objectives of Colour Schemes
A good colour scheme should:
✔ Differentiate map features clearly
✔ Maintain visual harmony
✔ Show relationships between data
✔ Emphasize important information
✔ Reduce visual fatigue
✔ Improve communication
Types of Colour Schemes
1. Qualitative Colour Scheme
Used for categorical or nominal data, where colours simply distinguish different classes without implying any order.
Characteristics
- Distinct hues
- Equal visual importance
- No ranking or sequence
Examples
Land Use Map
- Forest – Green
- Agriculture – Yellow
- Water – Blue
- Settlement – Grey
- Road – Red
Political Map
- Different provinces/states shown with different colours.
2. Sequential Colour Scheme
Used when data has a natural order or progression.
Colours change from light to dark (or vice versa).
Examples
Population Density
Light Yellow → Low population
Dark Brown → High population
Rainfall
Light Blue → Low rainfall
Dark Blue → Heavy rainfall
Elevation
Light Brown → Low elevation
Dark Brown → High elevation
Advantages
- Easy comparison
- Shows gradual change
- Suitable for statistical maps
3. Diverging Colour Scheme
Used when data has a central reference value.
Colours diverge in two opposite directions.
Example
Temperature Anomaly
Blue → Below Average
White → Average
Red → Above Average
Uses
Climate maps
Change detection maps
Population growth
Economic indicators
Environmental monitoring
4. Monochromatic Scheme
Uses different shades of one single colour.
Example
Light Green
Medium Green
Dark Green
Advantages
- Simple
- Elegant
- Easy to understand
- Suitable for reports
5. Complementary Colour Scheme
Uses colours opposite each other on the colour wheel.
Examples
Blue – Orange
Red – Green
Yellow – Violet
Advantages
- Maximum contrast
- Important features stand out
6. Analogous Colour Scheme
Uses neighbouring colours on the colour wheel.
Example
Blue
Blue-Green
Green
Advantages
- Natural appearance
- Smooth transitions
- Pleasant visualization
Choosing a Good Colour Scheme
A cartographer should consider:
- Nature of data
- Number of classes
- Printing method
- Screen display
- Colour blindness
- Map purpose
- User requirements
Colour Scheme in GIS
Modern GIS software provides ready-made colour schemes.
Examples:
ArcGIS
QGIS
Google Earth
Global Mapper
MapInfo
Users can apply:
- Sequential
- Diverging
- Qualitative
- Terrain
- Elevation
- Heat Map
- Satellite
colour schemes with one click.
Practical Example
Land Use Map
Forest → Green
Agriculture → Yellow
Settlement → Grey
Water → Blue
Road → Red
This is a qualitative colour scheme because colours only distinguish categories.
Population Density Map
Light Yellow
↓
Yellow
↓
Orange
↓
Dark Red
This is a sequential colour scheme because colours represent increasing values.
✔ 9.4 Colour Language
Colour language refers to the psychological meaning and universally accepted interpretation of colours.
People naturally associate colours with specific ideas and emotions.
Cartographers use these associations to make maps intuitive and easy to understand.
Importance of Colour Language
Colour language helps users:
- Understand maps quickly
- Reduce interpretation time
- Recognize symbols without reading legends
- Improve memory
- Enhance communication
Common Colour Meanings in Cartography
🔵 Blue
Represents:
- Rivers
- Lakes
- Sea
- Reservoirs
- Water supply
Psychological meaning:
Calm
Cool
Peace
Purity
🟢 Green
Represents:
- Forest
- Vegetation
- National Park
- Agriculture
Psychological meaning:
Nature
Growth
Life
Environment
🟤 Brown
Represents:
- Contours
- Mountains
- Relief
- Bare land
Psychological meaning
Earth
Stability
Strength
🔴 Red
Represents
- National highways
- Important roads
- Boundaries
- Danger
- Hazard
Psychological meaning
Energy
Warning
Importance
Attention
⚫ Black
Represents
Buildings
Railways
Names
Survey stations
Cultural features
Psychological meaning
Strength
Authority
Permanence
⚪ White
Represents
Snow
Glacier
Ice
Blank space
Psychological meaning
Purity
Cleanliness
Peace
🟡 Yellow
Represents
Agriculture
Open land
Dry grass
Sand
Psychological meaning
Brightness
Warmth
Productivity
🟣 Violet
Often represents
Special themes
Research maps
Scientific information
Administrative data
🩶 Grey
Represents
Urban area
Built-up land
Industrial region
Rock
Why Colour Language is Important
If rivers were shown in red and roads in blue, users would become confused.
Following international colour conventions makes maps universally understandable.
Principles of Good Colour Language
✔ Follow international standards
✔ Maintain consistency
✔ Use logical colours
✔ Avoid excessive brightness
✔ Consider colour-blind users
✔ Maintain sufficient contrast
Applications
Topographic maps
Geological maps
Land use maps
Tourist maps
Weather maps
Navigation maps
Military maps
GIS applications
Remote sensing products
✔ 9.5 Digital Landscape Model (DLM)
A Digital Landscape Model (DLM) is a digital representation of real-world geographic features stored in a computer database.
It contains spatial data with accurate geometry and attributes but does not include cartographic symbols or map styling.
DLM serves as the foundation for GIS analysis and map production.
Characteristics of DLM
- Stores real-world features.
- Uses vector or raster data.
- Maintains accurate coordinates.
- Includes attribute information.
- Suitable for spatial analysis.
- Independent of map design.
Components of DLM
Spatial Data
Coordinates of points, lines and polygons.
Attribute Data
Information describing the spatial objects.
Example
Road
Name
Width
Surface Type
Length
Examples of DLM Features
Road network
Buildings
Rivers
Forest
Land parcels
Power lines
Railways
Administrative boundaries
Applications of DLM
GIS analysis
Urban planning
Transportation planning
Land administration
Disaster management
Engineering survey
Environmental monitoring
Navigation systems
Advantages of DLM
✔ Highly accurate
✔ Easy to update
✔ Suitable for GIS
✔ Supports analysis
✔ Stores large datasets
✔ No loss of positional accuracy
Digital Cartographic Model (DCM)
A Digital Cartographic Model (DCM) is a digital map created from a Digital Landscape Model by adding cartographic representation, such as symbols, colours, labels, legends, and layout.
Unlike DLM, DCM is designed for visual presentation and communication.
Characteristics of DCM
- Designed for map display.
- Includes colours and symbols.
- Contains labels and legends.
- Ready for printing or digital viewing.
- Easy for users to interpret.
Components of DCM
- Symbols
- Colours
- Typography
- Legend
- North Arrow
- Scale
- Map Layout
- Labels
DLM vs DCM
| Feature | DLM | DCM |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Data storage and analysis | Map presentation |
| Symbols | No | Yes |
| Colours | No | Yes |
| Labels | No | Yes |
| GIS Analysis | Yes | Limited |
| Ready for Printing | No | Yes |
| Focus | Geographic database | Cartographic display |
Relationship Between DLM and DCM
Real World
↓
Data Collection
↓
Digital Landscape Model (DLM)
↓
Cartographic Design
↓
Digital Cartographic Model (DCM)
↓
Printed or Digital Map
🌍 Practical Applications
Exercise 1
Prepare a land use map using an appropriate qualitative colour scheme.
Exercise 2
Create an elevation map using a sequential colour scheme.
Exercise 3
Compare DLM and DCM using GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS.
Exercise 4
Identify the colours used in the official Survey Department topographic map of Nepal and explain their meanings.
📂 Download Free PDF Notes – Chapter 9: Colour
Perfect for:
✅ CTEVT Diploma in Geomatics Engineering
✅ Internal and Board Examination Preparation
✅ Practical GIS and Cartography Labs
🔽 [Download Notes – Chapter 9: Colour (PDF)]
🧾 Practice Questions for Students
Short Questions
- Define colour in cartography.
- What is a colour wheel?
- Define colour scheme.
- What is colour language?
- What is a Digital Landscape Model (DLM)?
- Define Digital Cartographic Model (DCM).
- Write any four uses of colour in maps.
- What is a qualitative colour scheme?
- Differentiate between warm and cool colours.
- State the three properties of colour.
Long / Analytical Questions
- Explain the importance of colour in cartography.
- Describe the colour wheel with suitable diagrams.
- Explain different types of colour schemes with examples.
- Discuss colour language and international colour conventions used in maps.
- Compare Digital Landscape Model (DLM) and Digital Cartographic Model (DCM).
- Explain the applications of colour in GIS and digital cartography.
-
Write short notes on:
- (a) Hue
- (b) Saturation
- (c) Sequential Colour Scheme
- (d) Colour Language
- (e) DLM and DCM
🎯 Cartography Chapter 9 – Colour (20 Exam-Oriented MCQs)
1. Which visual variable is primarily discussed in Chapter 9 of Cartography?
A. Shape
B. Texture
C. Colour
D. Size
2. Which of the following is NOT a property of colour?
A. Hue
B. Saturation
C. Value
D. Projection
3. Hue refers to:
A. Brightness of a colour
B. Purity of a colour
C. The actual colour itself
D. The size of a symbol
4. Which property describes how light or dark a colour appears?
A. Hue
B. Value
C. Saturation
D. Contrast
5. Saturation refers to:
A. Colour temperature
B. Purity or intensity of a colour
C. Map scale
D. Symbol size
6. Which colour is conventionally used to represent water bodies?
A. Brown
B. Green
C. Blue
D. Red
7. Which colour is generally used to represent forests and vegetation?
A. Blue
B. Green
C. Brown
D. Yellow
8. Brown colour on a topographic map generally represents:
A. Buildings
B. Contours and relief
C. Water bodies
D. Roads
9. Which of the following is a primary colour in the traditional colour wheel?
A. Green
B. Orange
C. Red
D. Violet
10. Which secondary colour is produced by mixing Blue and Yellow?
A. Orange
B. Violet
C. Green
D. Brown
11. Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel are called:
A. Analogous colours
B. Sequential colours
C. Complementary colours
D. Monochromatic colours
12. Which colour scheme is most suitable for land use maps?
A. Sequential
B. Qualitative
C. Diverging
D. Monochromatic
13. A population density map is best represented using:
A. Qualitative colour scheme
B. Sequential colour scheme
C. Complementary colour scheme
D. Random colours
14. Which colour scheme uses different shades of a single colour?
A. Analogous
B. Diverging
C. Monochromatic
D. Qualitative
15. Red colour in cartography commonly represents:
A. Forest
B. Rivers
C. Important roads or danger
D. Snow
16. Colour language refers to:
A. Programming language used in GIS
B. Scientific names of colours
C. Psychological and conventional meanings of colours
D. Printing technology
17. A Digital Landscape Model (DLM) mainly contains:
A. Symbols and legends
B. Spatial data and attributes
C. Map layouts
D. Decorative colours
18. Which of the following is included in a Digital Cartographic Model (DCM) but not in a DLM?
A. Coordinates
B. Attribute data
C. Colours and map symbols
D. Spatial database
19. Which statement correctly differentiates DLM and DCM?
A. DLM is used for printing maps, while DCM is used only for GIS analysis.
B. DLM stores geographic data, while DCM presents it as a readable map.
C. DLM contains symbols, while DCM does not.
D. There is no difference between DLM and DCM.
20. The main purpose of using colour in cartography is to:
A. Increase map size
B. Improve communication and interpretation of spatial information
C. Reduce map scale
D. Replace map symbols
✅ Answer Key
| Q.No | Answer | Q.No | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | 11 | C |
| 2 | D | 12 | B |
| 3 | C | 13 | B |
| 4 | B | 14 | C |
| 5 | B | 15 | C |
| 6 | C | 16 | C |
| 7 | B | 17 | B |
| 8 | B | 18 | C |
| 9 | C | 19 | B |
| 10 | C | 20 | B |
🏆 Your Score
| Score | Performance |
|---|---|
| 18–20 | 🌟 Cartography Master |
| 15–17 | 🎯 Exam Ready |
| 10–14 | 👍 Good – Revise Once |
| Below 10 | 📚 Study the Chapter Again |
💡 Study Tips to Master Chapter 9
🔹 Memorize the international colour conventions used in topographic maps (Blue–Water, Green–Vegetation, Brown–Contours, etc.).
🔹 Learn the three properties of colour:
- Hue
- Value
- Saturation
🔹 Practice identifying different colour schemes (qualitative, sequential, diverging, monochromatic, complementary, and analogous) from thematic maps.
🔹 Use QGIS or ArcGIS to experiment with different colour ramps and symbolization techniques.
🔹 Compare Digital Landscape Model (DLM) and Digital Cartographic Model (DCM) using real GIS datasets.
🔹 Revise the colour wheel regularly, especially primary, secondary, tertiary, complementary, and analogous colours.
🔹 Solve previous CTEVT questions and practice MCQs before examinations.
🎯 Lessons Learned from Chapter 9
After completing this chapter, you should be able to:
✅ Explain the importance of colour in cartography.
✅ Describe the three properties of colour: Hue, Value, and Saturation.
✅ Draw and explain the colour wheel.
✅ Differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary colours.
✅ Identify warm and cool colours and their applications.
✅ Explain various colour schemes used in cartography.
✅ Describe colour language and standard colour conventions.
✅ Compare Digital Landscape Model (DLM) and Digital Cartographic Model (DCM).
✅ Apply appropriate colour schemes in GIS and digital mapping.
📘 Quick Revision Notes (Exam Booster)
Definition of Colour
Colour is the visual sensation produced when light of different wavelengths reaches the human eye and is used in cartography to distinguish map features and communicate information effectively.
Three Properties of Colour
- Hue → Actual colour (Red, Blue, Green)
- Value → Lightness or darkness
- Saturation → Purity or intensity
Primary Colours (Traditional)
- Red
- Yellow
- Blue
Secondary Colours
- Green
- Orange
- Violet
Warm Colours
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
Uses: Roads, hazards, important features.
Cool Colours
- Blue
- Green
- Violet
Uses: Rivers, forests, environmental maps.
Types of Colour Schemes
- Qualitative
- Sequential
- Diverging
- Monochromatic
- Complementary
- Analogous
Standard Colour Conventions
| Feature | Colour |
|---|---|
| Water | Blue |
| Forest | Green |
| Contours | Brown |
| Roads | Red |
| Buildings | Black |
| Agriculture | Yellow |
| Urban Area | Grey |
| Snow | White |
Difference Between DLM and DCM
| DLM | DCM |
|---|---|
| Stores spatial data | Presents cartographic maps |
| No colours or symbols | Includes colours and symbols |
| Used for GIS analysis | Used for visualization and printing |
📖 Frequently Asked Viva Questions
- What is colour in cartography?
- What is meant by hue?
- Define saturation.
- What is a colour wheel?
- Name the three primary colours.
- What are complementary colours?
- Why is blue used for rivers?
- What is a qualitative colour scheme?
- What is the purpose of a sequential colour scheme?
- Differentiate between DLM and DCM.
- Which colour represents contours?
- Which colour scheme is suitable for population density maps?
- What is colour language?
- Why are warm colours used for important features?
- What is the role of colour in GIS?
📘 Explore More from Cartography
📚 Chapter 1: Introduction – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 2: Map – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 3: Branches of Cartography – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 4: Graphic Variables – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 5: Map Projection – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 6: Map Sheet Numbering – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 7: Generalization – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 8: Relief Representation – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 9: Color – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 10: Digital Cartography – Download PDF
📚 Chapter 11: Map Reproduction – Download PDF
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