Problems with the Rainbow Color Map
- Non-uniform Perceptual Changes: Rainbow colored map may not provide smooth perceptual modification as the scale of data varies from one end to the other. There can be some inaccuracies in judging the speed of color changes in some frequencies of the spectrum. This might lead to the reluctance of acceptance of the data. For example, those in between yellow and green would seem more obvious than those in between blue and purple when these are representing identical changes.
- Color Blindness Issues: It is about 0.8% of men’s and 0% of women’s population 5% female population in the whole world has at least some color vision deficiency, which can be the cause of difficulties these women experience in identifying particular colors. The arc of a rainbow, especially because of its largely use of hues, represents a serious issue for people with color vision deficiencies. As a result there may come a time when the viewers do not know what is going on or the message delivered.
- Misleading Interpretations: The display of such an eye-catching and contrasting color map produces artifacts that are not directly associated with the original dataset. Intermittent color modifications may yield the effect of drastic data switching which may in turn prompt viewers to assume incorrect outcomes. Moreover, the use of vibrant hues in rainbow-themed color scale might distract the viewers and interfere with the main task which is to see the actual data.
- Poor Grayscale Conversion: When printed in grayscale or viewed by individuals with CVD, the rainbow color map often fails to convey the intended information. This is because the colors do not translate well to shades of gray, resulting in a loss of detail and clarity. Example: A scientific paper that includes a rainbow-colored graph may lose critical information when printed in black and white, making it challenging for readers to interpret the data correctly.
Why the Rainbow Color Map is Problematic?
Color maps are essential tools in data visualization, helping to convey complex information in an intuitive and accessible manner. Among the various color maps available, the rainbow color map, also known as the “jet” color map, has been widely used in scientific and engineering fields. However, despite its popularity, the rainbow color map is fraught with issues that can lead to misinterpretation and miscommunication of data. This article delves into the reasons why the rainbow color map is problematic, supported by examples, and suggests better alternatives for effective data visualization.
Table of Content
- The Appeal of the Rainbow Color Map
- Problems with the Rainbow Color Map
- Better Alternatives to the Rainbow Color Map
- Best Practices in Color Map Selection
- The Problems with the Rainbow Color Map: Case Studies and Examples