Mapping function values to colors

[spx2]

Hi,

I'm trying to write a score function.
The score function is applied to each cell of a grid
and because the grid has many cells ( 400x600 or 800x600 )
If I want to experiment with different score functions to
see which one is best I'd have to see some kind of visual results.
I thought of plotting that score function to the screen
(because viewing just numbers isn't enough any more)
and all it's values will be colors of pixels on a grid.
The problem is choosing the colors and the transition between low-values to
big values of the score function so that they show up as beeing relevant
and smooth to the eye.
Let's take euclidean distance as the score function for example.
If we have 2 objects,one fixed at the bottom right of the screen and one
starting in the upper left and moving towards upper right,then a transition of colors should
be made for the area where the fixed object is , and the signification of this will be
that the distance between these objects is getting smaller and smaller.
I have tried getting the euclidean distance normalized to fit in the color spectrum and then
plotting but that turns out to not be so good either.
I'm having difficulties finding the best mapping between colors->distance.

Has anyone tried this ?

Thank you

 

[Coin]

SPX,

I don't know if this is actually helpful but have you looked into generating HSV colors? HSV is a numerical representation of color that is a lot closer to what we might think of as how a color is defined intuitively.

 

[quicknote]

for your question. Mapping function values to colors can be a useful tool in visualizing data and understanding relationships between variables. It sounds like you are trying to create a visual representation of your score function, which is a great idea. However, as you have mentioned, choosing the appropriate colors and transition between values can be challenging.

One approach you can take is to use a color scale or gradient to represent your score function values. This means assigning a specific color to the lowest value and gradually transitioning to a different color for the highest value. This can be done using a color wheel or by using a color map tool. This will help you to visually see the range of values and how they relate to each other.

Another option is to use a color palette that is specifically designed for data visualization. These palettes are created to be visually appealing and easy to interpret, making it easier for you to see patterns and relationships in your data.

In terms of your example using euclidean distance, you could try using a color scale that ranges from cool colors (such as blue) for smaller distances, to warm colors (such as red) for larger distances. This can help to visually show the decrease in distance between the two objects as they move closer together.

Overall, it may take some trial and error to find the best mapping between colors and your score function values. I would recommend experimenting with different color scales and palettes, and seeking out resources or tools specifically designed for data visualization. Good luck with your project!