A recent data visualization literacy study shows that most people cannot read networks that use hierarchical cluster representations such as "super-noding" and "edge bundling." Other studies that compare standard node-link representations with map-like visualizations show that map-like visualizations are superior in terms of task performance, memorization and engagement. With this in mind, we propose the Zoomable Multilevel Tree (ZMLT) algorithm for map-like visualization of large graphs that is representative, real, persistent, overlap-free labeled, planar, and compact. These six desirable properties are formalized with the following guarantees: (1) The abstract and embedded trees represent the underlying graph appropriately at different level of details (in terms of the structure of the graph as well as the embedding thereof); (2) At every level of detail we show real vertices and real paths from the underlying graph; (3) If any node or edge appears in a given level, then they also appear in all deeper levels; (4) All nodes at the current level and higher levels are labeled and there are no label overlaps; (5) There are no crossings on any level; (6) The drawing area is proportional to the total area of the labels. This algorithm is implemented and we have a functional prototype for the interactive interface in a web browser.
We present an iterative drawing algorithm for undirected graphs, based on a force-directed approach, that preserves edge crossing properties. This algorithm insures that two edges cross in the final drawing if and only if these edges crossed on the initial layout. So no new edge crossings are introduced. We describe applications of this technique to improve classical algorithms for drawing planar graphs and for interactive graph drawing. PrEd [Ber00] is a force-directed algorithm that improves the existing layout of a graph while preserving its edge crossing properties. The algorithm has a number of applications including: improving the layouts of planar graph drawing algorithms, interacting with a graph layout, and drawing Euler-like diagrams. The algorithm ensures that nodes do not cross edges during its execution. However, PrEd can be computationally expensive and overlyrestrictive in terms of node movement. In this paper, we introduce ImPrEd: an improved version of PrEd that overcomes some of its limitations and widens its range of applicability. ImPrEd also adds features such as flexible or crossable edges, allowing for greater control over the output. Flexible edges, in particular, can improve the distribution of graph elements and the angular resolution of the input graph. They can also be used to generate Euler diagrams with smooth boundaries. As flexible edges increase data set size, we experience an execution drawing quality trade off. However, when flexible edges are not used, ImPrEd proves to be consistently faster than PrEd.