Unfolding Edges for Exploring Multivariate Edge Attributes in Graphs

Abstract

With this research we present an approach to network visualization that expands the capabilities for visual encoding and interactive exploration through edges in node-link diagrams. Compared to the various possibilities for visual and interactive properties of nodes, there are few techniques for interactive visualization of multivariate edge attributes in node-link diagrams. Visualization of edge attributes is oftentimes limited by occlusion and space issues of methods that globally encode attributes in a node-link diagram for all edges, not sufficiently exploiting the potential of interaction. Building up on existing techniques for edge encoding and interaction, we propose 'Unfolding Edges' as an exemplary use of an on-demand detail enhancing approach for exploration of multivariate edge attributes.