This study seeks to determine the efficacy of communicating information in continuous value maps using Earth system science visualizations in the digital environment. The research approach consisted of two parts. First, we investigated commonly-used color ramps employed across many disciplines and devised a method to test color ramp efficacy at conveying information from continuous data maps. A Continuous Data Model (CDM) was developed for use in both studies by manipulating a digital elevation model (DEM), a common geology data construct used in a variety of visualizations and data models for analyzing and displaying topographic data. The resulting CDM was symbolized using four pervasive color ramps and used to derive 16 images from which participants estimated data values. Participants ultimately estimated values at four known map locations on four renditions of the same map. The only variable between participant estimations was the color scheme by which the maps were symbolized. Significant differences in color ramp performance were assessed using participant absolute data estimation differences from known map values as a function of the color ramp used for symbolization. Two methods for data collection were employed to provide information not only on how map readers estimate map values but also how they interact with continuous data maps. The participant-map interaction study included interaction variables that were collected using eye tracking technology and summarized using GIS. Our findings suggest that color ramps commonly used to depict ESS phenomena are not equally effective at communicating continuous map data.
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