We present a review of the symbol map, a mathematical tool that can be useful
in simplifying expressions among multiple polylogarithms, and recall its main
properties. A recipe is given for how to obtain the symbol of a multiple
polylogarithm in terms of the combinatorial properties of an associated rooted
decorated polygon. We also outline a systematic approach to constructing a
function corresponding to a given symbol, and illustrate it in the particular
case of harmonic polylogarithms up to weight four. Furthermore, part of the
ambiguity of this process is highlighted by exhibiting a family of non-trivial
elements in the kernel of the symbol map for arbitrary weight.Comment: 75 pages. Mathematica files with the expression of all HPLs up to
weight 4 in terms of the spanning set are include
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.