Usage of Color Scales on Radar Maps - paper

[BeauDodson]

I was a bit surprised by the findings of this research paper.

 

A study on color tables used on radar displays: The visualization of rainfall rates and amounts using colored weather maps has become very common and is crucial for communicating weather information to the public.

 

Little research has been done to investigate which color scales lead to the best understanding of a weather map; however, research has been performed on the general use of color and the theory behind it.

 

Applying color theory specifically to weather maps, we designed this project to see if there was a statistically significant difference in an individual’s interpretation of weather data presented in two different color scales.

 

We used a radar map and a storm-total precipitation map, each presented in both a rainbow scale and a monochromatic green scale, for a total of four images. A survey based on these images was distributed online to students at Mississippi State University. After analyzing the results, we found that people who received the radar image with the green scale were more likely to answer questions associated with that image correctly. However, there was no significant difference in accuracy between the two color scales on the storm-total precipitation map.

 

The radar findings align well with what previous color-theory literature suggested; a monochromatic scale is more intuitive to understand than a rainbow scale. This research can be used to help meteorologists better convey weather information in a more understandable way to the general public.

 

Interesting results

http://www.nwas.org/jom/abstracts/2014/2014-JOM14/abstract.php

 

You might have to have an NWA membership to read the full study.  Unsure if it can be found elsewhere. 

[Crocodile23]

I was a bit surprised by the findings of this research paper.

 

A study on color tables used on radar displays: The visualization of rainfall rates and amounts using colored weather maps has become very common and is crucial for communicating weather information to the public.

 

 

Interesting results

http://www.nwas.org/jom/abstracts/2014/2014-JOM14/abstract.php

 

You might have to have an NWA membership to read the full study.  Unsure if it can be found elsewhere. 

 

Nope, it can't.

Science and scientific knowledge supposed to be free to everyone? Nope. We live in dark ages and in money ages. Even in science.

 

PS: It's not the fault of scientists for this, but of the whole system. Singers, actors, footballers, sports people, etc are 10^5overpaid and scientists, that everything other people use, are based on them, have to "find their way". Well that's life. Unfair....