Small Multiples

Small multiples—a term popularized by Edward Tufte—are a visualization technique that repeats the same base map or chart template multiple times, varying one parameter such as time, category, or scenario across each panel. Because every panel shares the same spatial extent, projection, symbologySymbologySymbology in GIS defines how geographic features are visually represented on maps through colors, shapes, sizes, and ..., and scale, the viewer’s eye can quickly scan differences and similarities without re-learning the visual encoding. In cartographyCartographyCartography is the practice of designing and producing maps to visually represent spatial data. It serves diverse pur..., small multiples are frequently used to show how a phenomenon changes over time, such as monthly temperature patterns, annual land-cover transitions, or election results across successive cycles. They are also useful for comparing different variables side by side—for instance, income, education, and health metrics across the same set of regions. Small multiples avoid some pitfalls of animated maps, where viewers may struggle to remember earlier frames, by presenting all states simultaneously. The trade-off is that each individual panel is smaller, so fine detail may be harder to read. Effective small multiples use minimal decoration, consistent color scales, and clear panel labels. They can be generated with tools like ggplot2 in R, Matplotlib/Seaborn in Python, Observable/D3.js, and GISGISGeographic Information Systems (GIS) enable users to analyze and visualize spatial data to uncover patterns, relation... platforms that support map series layouts such as ArcGISArcGISArcGIS is a leading GIS platform offering tools for spatial analysis, mapping, and data visualization. It serves a wi... Pro’s Map Series functionality.