explain the different layouts to me

[ecklesweb]

I've done a quick search on this group and I've looked through the
Wiki. I'm new to graph theory, and I'm wondering if someone could
supplement the wiki material and explain to me in a nutshell what each
layout algorithm does. Why would I choose one over another? What are
the assumptions about the data that each layout makes? Are there any
limitations to each layout?

Any info you can provide would be helpful.

Thanks!

Jay

[Gera...@aol.com]

Consider reading the published material for the Prefuse Flow Layout (pdf file "flow_map_layout").  The materials include a description of graph layouts that could be helpful to you.  You can download the source code for Prefuse - import it into Eclipse and execute several demos of different layouts for illustrations.  Some Prefuse classes are also included in the GUESS distribution. In addition the walrus 0.6.3 source files are very helpful.  Do the same - download the source, import it into Eclipse, and execute the application with the Samples.  Walrus should provide you with additional insight regarding layout.  After you have done that you will gain a very special appreciation for GUESS and its layouts as well as the special features that it contains regarding JPython.  You may wish to read the manual for GUESS.  There are other helpful pdf files that you can reach by searching keyword "pajek" as well. Most importantly, you should consider whether or not you have a requirement in your mind for the visualization of database data.  Such a requirement will help you find the answer to your own question - regarding "Why would I choose one over another?".Hope this message is helpful to you.

 

Gerard