Tangling and Untangling Trees on Point-sets

TL;DR

This paper presents algorithms for drawing trees on point sets with a prescribed number of crossings and bounded curve complexity, bridging topological graph theory and graph drawing.

Contribution

It introduces an efficient method to compute tree drawings with a specified number of crossings and constant curve complexity, including RAC drawings.

Findings

O(n^2) algorithm for general trees

O(n log n) algorithm for paths

Extension to RAC drawings with right-angle crossings

Abstract

We study a question that lies at the intersection of classical research subjects in Topological Graph Theory and Graph Drawing: Computing a drawing of a graph with a prescribed number of crossings on a given set $S$ of points, while ensuring that its curve complexity (i.e., maximum number of bends per edge) is bounded by a constant. We focus on trees: Let $T$ be a tree, $\vartheta(T)$ be its thrackle number, and $\chi$ be any integer in the interval $[0,\vartheta(T)]$. In the tangling phase we compute a topological linear embedding of $T$ with $\vartheta(T)$ edge crossings and a constant number of spine traversals. In the untangling phase we remove edge crossings without increasing the spine traversals until we reach $\chi$ crossings. The computed linear embedding is used to construct a drawing of $T$ on $S$ with $\chi$ crossings and constant curve complexity. Our approach gives rise to an $O(n^2)$-time algorithm for general trees and an $O(n \log n)$-time algorithm for paths. We also adapt the approach to compute RAC drawings, i.e. drawings where the angles formed at edge crossings are $\frac{\pi}{2}$.