Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Putting It All Together
Node, edge, and label attributes can increase the information delivered by a
graph, as well as increase its clarity and appeal. Basic attributes such as size,
color, and labels can be used effectively to add data in any graph. Keep in
mind the following:
• Node size is an effective attribute for conveying non-negative quantities.
• Node color is effective and visually appealing for conveying information
such as categories, quantities, or diverging values.
• Labels are extremely useful for identifying nodes, as well as potentially
showing information via label color and size. Good labels require effort
and should not be an afterthought.
• Edge weight (that is, line thickness) is very effective for indicating the
strength of the relationship.
• Like node color, edge color can be visually effective for differentiating
among edges (for example, categories), as well as quantities or
diverging values.
• Edge type (such as arrows and curvature) is useful for directed edges.
• Bundles, shapes, images, borders, and other advanced attributes can
enhance the visualization, but beware of cluttering the visualization or
making it confusing.
