Key points
Best Practices
Visualization types best suited for Small Multiples include:
- Line Charts
- Bar Charts
- Maps
Consider using Small Multiples for Line Charts with more than five data series. This helps keep cognitive load at a manageable level.
Small Multiples are useful replacements for filters that contain only a few categories. Each category displays as an individual chart or map.
Additional Guidance
To reduce repetitive clutter and ensure clarity:
- Hide the standard legend. The legend entries display as the title for each chart or map tile.
- Charts: Use a maximum of three tiles per row on desktop.
- Maps: Use a maximum of two tiles per row on desktop.
- On mobile screens, charts and maps always display one tile per row.
Quick Build Notes
- Select chart or map as the Visualization Type.
- Upload your data.
In the Configure panel:
- Type in the title and other text fields in the General tab.
- Select and add Data Series.
- Set the Date/Category Axis.
- Open the Small Multiples tab.
- Select Tile Mode. Options are "By Data Series" or "By Column Values."
- Set Tiles Per Row for desktop and mobile screens.
- Set Tile Order and Color Mode.
Configuration Options
The example visualizations highlight options available for Small Multiple Line Charts and Small Multiple Maps. Key configuration selections are in the build notes section under each example.
For in-depth configuration information visit the Configuration Page.
Example Line Chart with Small Multiples
Chart types with small multiples as an option include:
- Line
- Area
- Bar
- Box Plot
- Combo
- Scatter Plot
The configuration of this Line Chart displays Small Multiples with three tiles per row in desktop view. Color mode is "Different Colors."
Data Format
- Vertical
- Multiple Series: No
Chart Type
Data Series
- data_1
- data_2
- data_3
- data_4
- data_5
- data_6
Left Value Axis
- Axis Type: Numeric (Linear Scale)
- Inline Label: percent
Date/Category Axis
- Data Scaling Type: Date (Date Time Scale)
- Data Key: Data_group
- Date Parse Format: %Y-%m-%d
- Axis Date Display Format: %b. %Y
- Data Table Date Display Format: %B %-d, %Y
- Hover Date Display Format: %B %-d, %Y
Legend
Visual
- Line Datapoint Style: Hover
- Line Datapoint Color: Same as Line
- Chart Color Palette: Colorblind Safe
- Vertical Hover Line
Small Multiples
- Tile Mode: By Data Series
- Tiles Per Row (Desktop): 3
- Tile Order: Ascending by Title
- Color Mode: Different Colors
- Synchronized Tooltips
- Shade Area Under Lines
Example Map with Small Multiples
Small Multiples provide a great alternative for maps that originally used tabs or dropdowns to compare information. Users need fewer clicks to navigate the maps, which helps prevent fatigue.
Small Multiples work with:
- U.S. Maps
- U.S. State maps
- HHS Region maps
This example highlights options for categorical maps. Key configuration selections are in the build notes section.
You can find additional map guidance on the General Map page.
Data Format
- Vertical
- Multiple Series: No
Type
- Geography: United States
- Map Type: Data
- Data Classification Type: Categorical
Columns
- Geography: State
- Data Column: Activity_level_label
- Additional Column – Num_sites, Label: Sites Currently Reporting, Show in Data Table, Show in Tooltips
- Additional Column – Hatch, Label: Limited Coverage, Show in Tooltips
- Additional Column – Hatch, Add Commas to Numbers, Show in Tooltips
- Additional Categories: No Data, Very Low, Low, Moderate, High, Very High
Legend
- Position: Top
- Legend Style: Gradient
- Gradient Style: Linear Blocks
Interactivity
Detail Displays On: Hover – Tooltip
Visual
Sequential Palette
Pattern Settings
- Data Key: Hatch
- Data Value: Limited Coverage
- Label: Limited Coverage*
- Pattern Type: Lines
- Pattern Size: Medium
Small Multiples
- Tile by Column: Pathogen
- Tiles Per Row (Desktop): 3
- Tile Order: Descending by Title
- Synchronized Tooltips: Box checked