Semantic Zooming and Edge Bundling for Multi-Scale Supply Chain Flow Visualization

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-scale supply chain flow visualization system combining semantic zooming and edge bundling to improve interpretability across different levels of detail.

Contribution

It presents a novel integrated visualization interface with animated transitions and an adapted edge bundling algorithm for geographic flows.

Findings

Reduces raw data to 202 warehouse-to-state flows.

Provides seamless transition between macro, meso, and micro views.

Enhances interpretability of complex supply chain data.

Abstract

Modern supply chain networks involve spatially distributed flows that become difficult to interpret using traditional visualization techniques, producing visual clutter that obscures actionable patterns. We present a multi-scale visual analytics dashboard that combines Semantic Zooming with Skeleton-Based Edge Bundling (SBEB). The system dynamically adapts its representation based on zoom level: bundled aggregate flows at the macro-scale, hexagonal density heatmaps at the meso-scale, and hierarchical inventory sunbursts at the micro-scale. Built on Vue3 and Deck.gl, it reduces raw orders to 202 warehouse-to-state flows. We contribute (1)a semantic zoom implementation with animated transitions that unifies edge bundling, hexagonal density aggregation, and hierarchical inventory views into a single interface; and (2)an algorithmic adaptation of SBEB for geographic origin-destination flows, introducing directional-sector clustering and adaptive detour constraints to preserve cartographic plausibility.