MAP PALETTE PLANNING AND REVIEW
Yenra | October 11, 2026
Guide: https://yenra.com/color-brewer/
Tool: https://colorbrewer2.org/
Scheme definitions: https://colorbrewer2.org/learnmore/schemes_full.html

Purpose: complete this record before styling a thematic map, then use the
review checks on the exported map at its intended size.

Project and intended reader:
Question the map should answer:
Data source, date, field, units, and denominator (if a rate):
Boundary source and version:
Output medium and size:

Choose a family and explain why:
[ ] Sequential: ordered values from low to high.
[ ] Diverging: two directions around a meaningful center. Center:
[ ] Qualitative: named categories without numerical order.

Classification method and number of classes:
Exact breaks, including which side owns each boundary:
Separate treatment for missing data:
Palette name, ordered colors, and permalink:
ColorBrewer filters used:
Software and export settings:

FICTIONAL EXERCISE -- canopy percentages, not measured environmental data
Values: 8, 22, 39, 41, 67, 83 percent.
Class 1: 0 <= value < 20: 8
Class 2: 20 <= value < 40: 22, 39
Class 3: 40 <= value < 60: 41
Class 4: 60 <= value < 80: 67
Class 5: 80 <= value <= 100: 83
Use sequential light-to-dark order. A value of 40 belongs in class 3.
This is an equal-interval teaching example, not an ecological threshold.

REVIEW THE ACTUAL OUTPUT
[ ] Minimum and maximum receive the intended colors.
[ ] A value on a class boundary enters exactly one class.
[ ] Missing data look different from low values.
[ ] Small polygons and neighboring categories remain interpretable.
[ ] Labels are readable over all backgrounds they cross.
[ ] Essential distinctions also have labels, patterns, or a data table.
[ ] Color-vision simulation and grayscale checks have been considered.
[ ] A reader can identify high, low, missing, and boundary cases.
[ ] Maps compared across dates use consistent breaks or disclose changes.

Problems found and corrections:
Reviewer and review date: