Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
large graph data but is not as important to see as communities are. In these
cases, typically curved links are sufficient.
Offsets
When links become dense, it can be difficult to see whether a link passes
through a node or terminates at it. A small link offset of a few pixels around
the node in a small- or medium-sized graph can help to clarify where the
link begins or ends. Offsets are particularly important if arrows are used.
Offsets give arrowheads enough space to display comfortably next to each
other. The lower graph image in
Figure 16-8
demonstrates the use of offsets
on the target end of the link for exactly this purpose.
Line Styles
Line styles can sometimes be used to indicate different types of links, if
differentiation by type is important. Geographic maps have a longstanding
tradition of using line style for features such as rail lines and borders.
However,severalprinciplesareatplayinmakingthesesuccessful,andthese
principles apply to graphs as well.
