Sequential Color Schemes
Sequential data classes are logically arranged from high to low, and this
stepped sequence of categories should be represented by sequential lightness
steps. Low data values are usually represented by light colors and high
values represented by dark colors. Transitions between hues may be used
in a sequential scheme, but the light-to-dark progression should dominate
the scheme. Terrain slope categories or population densities, for example,
are well represented by sequental color schemes.
Sequential Color Example
Spectral (rainbow) schemes are not suitable for seqential data.
Spectral schemes are suitable as diverging schemes (see
other examples of diverging schemes). For example, if mean employment
was 27.5 percent, the scheme above would appropriately emphasize differences
from the middle class.
Sequential Color Schemes: Munsell Charts
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Dr. Cynthia Brewer / Department of Geography / The Pennsylvania State University
