On the importance of color in mass spectrometry imaging

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) data visualization relies on heatmaps to show the spatial distribution and measured abundances of molecules within a sample. Nonuniform color gradients such as jet are still commonly used to visualize MSI data, increasing the probability of data misinterpretation and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of mass spectrometry. 2022-12, Vol.57 (12), p.e4898-n/a
Main Authors: Knizner, Kevan T., Kibbe, Russell R., Garrard, Kenneth P., Nuñez, Jamie R., Anderton, Christopher R., Muddiman, David C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Best practice
Best practices
Color vision
colormap
Colour
CVD
data visualization
Gradients
Humans
Imaging techniques
Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectroscopy
MSI
OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
Probability theory
Scientific visualization
Spatial distribution
Spectroscopy
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Description
Summary:Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) data visualization relies on heatmaps to show the spatial distribution and measured abundances of molecules within a sample. Nonuniform color gradients such as jet are still commonly used to visualize MSI data, increasing the probability of data misinterpretation and false conclusions. Also, the use of nonuniform color gradients and the combination of hues used in common colormaps make it challenging for people with color vision deficiencies (CVDs) to visualize and accurately interpret data. Here we present best practices for choosing a colormap to accurately display MSI data, improve readability, and accommodate all CVDs. We also provide other resources on the misuse of color in the scientific field and resources on scientifically derived colormaps presented herein.
ISSN:1076-5174
1096-9888
1096-9888
DOI:10.1002/jms.4898