How useful are interactive small multiples for the visualization of overlapping areal information? An expert evaluation in spatial planning

Typ
01A - Beitrag in wissenschaftlicher Zeitschrift
Herausgeber:innen
Herausgeber:in (Körperschaft)
Betreuer:in
Übergeordnetes Werk
International Journal of Cartography
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Link
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Reihe / Serie
Reihennummer
Jahrgang / Band
Ausgabe / Nummer
Seiten / Dauer
1-22
Patentnummer
Verlag / Herausgebende Institution
Taylor & Francis
Verlagsort / Veranstaltungsort
Auflage
Version
Programmiersprache
Abtretungsempfänger:in
Praxispartner:in/Auftraggeber:in
Zusammenfassung
Multidimensional spatial data is used in various application domains, such as spatial planning or risk management. The datasets are often layered within single maps, where overlapping information can create complex and potentially misleading displays. This study investigates the use of an interactive small multiples layout, where web maps with a common spatial area, each representing a different topic, are arranged side by side for simultaneous viewing. Spatial planning served as the use case, as it involves the concurrent analysis of multiple topics within a defined area. Domain experts participated in a qualitative usability study, carrying out typical planning tasks. Their feedback on the small multiples layout regarding task effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction (usability) was evaluated through qualitative content analysis. We learned that the layout enabled quick overviews and efficient cross-comparison between topics, particularly in the weighing of interests. All tasks were completed, and the feedback was predominantly positive. Limitations arose when the area under consideration extended beyond the boundaries of the small multiples map windows. We conclude that small multiples layouts are useful for the simultaneous visual analysis of multiple spatially coincident topics in web maps. The finding may generalize to other domains that use potentially overlapping multidimensional spatial data.
Schlagwörter
Projekt
Veranstaltung
Startdatum der Ausstellung
Enddatum der Ausstellung
Startdatum der Konferenz
Enddatum der Konferenz
Datum der letzten Prüfung
ISBN
ISSN
2372-9333
2372-9341
Sprache
Englisch
Während FHNW Zugehörigkeit erstellt
Ja
Zukunftsfelder FHNW
Publikationsstatus
Veröffentlicht
Begutachtung
peer-reviewed
Open Access-Status
Hybrid
Lizenz
'https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/'
Zitation
Reutimann, S., Bronowicz, C., & Bleisch, S. (2026). How useful are interactive small multiples for the visualization of overlapping areal information? An expert evaluation in spatial planning. International Journal of Cartography, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/23729333.2026.2696783