-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Colors on Maps]
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2004 14:44:10 -0700 (PDT)
From: Roger Wheate <[log in to unmask]>
To: Maps and Air Photo Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]>

------------------

The use of (light) red for British Empire -> Commonwealth countries on
'old style' maps was likely for maximum contrast with the blue for French
possessions (associated with their flag colour), and association with the
red on the english flag, prior to Union with Scotland and the adoption
of the union jack.

Otherwise the use of colour simply for fill or outline seems mostly
arbitrary (did they usually use orange for the Netherlands ?)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Roger Wheate, Geography / GIS co-ordinator,  UNBC,
3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, CANADA
Tel:250-960-5865 Fax:250-960-5539 Email: [log in to unmask]
-------------------------------------------------------