¹Environment, Behaviour and Society Research Group, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia

Correspondence: Zena O'Connor, Tel: 61 2 9351 5287; Fax: 61 2 9351 3031; E-mail: zoco4227@mail.usyd.edu.au

Abstract

Environmental colour mapping is a process in which the colour characteristics of natural and artificial elements within an environment are identified and documented. Evolving over the last two decades, environmental colour mapping has provided a basis for recognising colour as one of a number of indicators of local identity. Outcomes of the process have been used to assess the role of façade colour, address the issue of 'colour pollution' in existing settlements and facilitate chromatic cohesion and continuity in terms of new settlements within existing communities. This paper describes the application of digital technology to the environmental colour mapping process using a case study. Outcomes from the case study suggest that digital technology brings many benefits to the process but also imposes limitations. These are discussed along with some issues that arise in conjunction with applying digital technology to the environmental mapping process, specifically in terms of digital image quality and colour reproduction.