CHOOSING EFFECTIVE DISPLAY ELEMENTS
When relying completely on the ability of software to produce scientific displays, many authors are limited by their mastery of the software. Most software packages will allow users to either specify in advance the desired properties of the graph, or to edit the graph to change individual items in the graph. Our ability to follow the guidelines outlined in this chapter is directly related to the time we spend learning to use the more advanced graphics features of software.
Color
Use color sparingly if at all. Its use should be reserved for oral presentations and electronic publications. Be aware that it has emotional connotations that vary from culture to culture and individual to individual. Be particularly sensitive to color choices when creating maps. On viewing http://interactive.spacetimeresearch.com/travel/#view=viewWorldMap&selectedWafers=0, United States residents may ask why their country is the same color as Africa, Indians may object to being treated as if India were part of China, and Canadians may object strenuously to being lumped in with the United States.
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