Graph visualization using prefuse is too dense

Question

The graph I have created using prefuse (shown below) is too dense! There are many nodes linking to many other nodes. Is there anyway I could display this more spread out?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Are you using a force based layout? If so, change the force parameters of your layout, or try a different layout action (radial, fructherman-rheinhold, etc). Most of the prefuse layouts have flexible layout parameters, which should fix your problem.

In particular, use ForceDirectedLayout.getForceSimulator() to retrieve the ForceSimulator object for your layout, then change the parameters in your force array, which you can obtain via ForceSimulator,getForces()

The default forces for the default ForceSimulator behind a ForceDirectedLayout are organized as follows:

index0 is NBodyForce:

• Parameter 0 is gravitational force
• Parameter 1 is distance
• Parameter 2 is barnes-hut theta (a simulation quality parameter)

index1 is DragForce (param 0 is drag)

index 2 is Spring force (for edges)

• Parameter 0 is Spring Coefficient (how snappy the spring is)
• Parameter 1 is Spring (equilibrium) length

Answer 2

I would suggest taking a look at Gephi. You get quite a lot of flexibility when it comes to layouts that should help.

Answer 3

Why don't you use JUNG, even if it turns out to be dense, Jung gives an option for zoomin and zoom out which might give a work around for your problem.