Spatially-Anchored Small Multiples for Enhanced Geographic Data Exploration

• Venkata Naga Dinesh Vadada

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This paper investigates the application of spatially anchored small multiples, commonly referred to as geofaceting, for the analysis and visualization of complex demographic data. This study shows how arranging individual panels according to the approximate geographical locations of corresponding regions facilitates the preservation of spatial proximity relationships while enabling the exploration of high-dimensional within-region patterns using the geofacet R package. A case study illustrates the use of geofaceted layouts and modern visualizations, such as Lexis surfaces and ternary shades, based on mortality data of young Mexican adults across states. Temporal, demographic, and regional variations can now be portrayed together whilst remaining interpretable and visually coherent. The paper also implements a controlled investigation of cognitive efficiency to compare geofaceted arrangements with standard alphabetical panel arrangements. The findings indicate that spatial organization and improved within-panel visual encoding can provide benefits. Geofaceting offers a suitable framework for visualization practitioners looking to integrate complex multivariable information with a meaningful geographic context.

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