Exemplar-based Layout Fine-tuning for Node-link Diagrams

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel exemplar-based layout fine-tuning method for node-link diagrams that allows intuitive, batch adjustment of similar substructures by transferring user modifications across topologically similar graph components.

Contribution

It presents a new technique for layout adjustment that leverages exemplar-based transfer of modifications using substructure retrieval with node embeddings.

Findings

Quantitative comparison results demonstrate effectiveness.

Three case studies validate practical utility.

User study shows improved adjustment efficiency.

Abstract

We design and evaluate a novel layout fine-tuning technique for node-link diagrams that facilitates exemplar-based adjustment of a group of substructures in batching mode. The key idea is to transfer user modifications on a local substructure to other substructures in the whole graph that are topologically similar to the exemplar. We first precompute a canonical representation for each substructure with node embedding techniques and then use it for on-the-fly substructure retrieval. We design and develop a light-weight interactive system to enable intuitive adjustment, modification transfer, and visual graph exploration. We also report some results of quantitative comparisons, three case studies, and a within-participant user study.