This section introduces several practical color tools in SuperMap iDesktopX. Proper use of these tools can effectively enhance cartographic efficiency.
Color Picker
The color picker is an essential tool in various graphic software and applications involving color settings. SuperMap iDesktopX provides this convenient feature through the "Pick Color" function in the color panel, which allows capturing any on-screen color for map applications. See illustration below:
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| Figure: Color Picking |
Color Library Management
The Color Library Manager offers advanced management capabilities for color collections, enabling more flexible and professional color organization. Key operations include:
- Add Color Swatches
The system provides default color sets including Standard, Theme, and Google-style palettes. Users can create new swatches to build customized color collections. Newly created swatches will synchronize across all color selection interfaces for unified management.
- Extract Colors From Images To Build New Palettes
This feature extracts all colors from image files to create new color swatches. The illustration below demonstrates color extraction from images and their cartographic applications.
Figure: Color Extraction From Images 
Figure: Color Palette Application - Import Color Swatches From Text Files
Users can import color data from *.txt or *.csv files. The required format includes: color labels before the first comma (English comma), followed by RGB values in correct format. Each line represents one color record. Invalid entries will be ignored during import.
- Import/Export Color Libraries
Export current color libraries as *.xml files for sharing, or import external color libraries. During import, users can select specific swatches for integration, serving as an effective backup solution.
Figure: Import Color Library Additional features include arranging similar colors, adding labels to color blocks for identification, and color search functionality.
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| Figure: Color File Format Requirements |
Color Management
The color manager organizes and customizes application colors. SuperMap iDesktopX maintains predefined color sets for specific purposes (e.g., elevation display) while supporting custom color creation. See example below:
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| Figure: Custom Color Application |
Map color design requires color theory knowledge and cartographic expertise. Analyzing exemplary maps and learning effective color techniques can help master color design principles, thereby enhancing map expressiveness and artistic impact.
For beginners creating digital maps, referencing established online maps with aesthetically approved color schemes is recommended for guidance.
Related Topics:
Basic Color Characteristics and Psychology