Designing and Choosing symbols 175
tints is often added to make the map easier to read. (If the map shows elevations, the
lines are commonly called
contour lines and the tints are called
hypsometric tints.)
The options for layer tints are lightness (tonal value), with darker shades representing
greater amounts (the convention); double-ended; and spectral sequences (Figure 8.39
and Plate 4.9).
Temperature maps commonly use a double-ended sequence of reds and blues.
A variation of the spectral sequence is commonly used for elevation maps with cool
colors, usually greens, representing low elevations and warm colors, usually reds or
reddish browns, representing high elevations. The theory behind this is that cool
colors appear to recede and look farther away and warm colors appear to be closer.
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