Graphical methods to analyze network data

Three complementary graphical techniques to display network data and a tool, Seenet, that embodies the techniques are described. Each technique views network data from a different perspective, emphasizing the links or the nodes, with different views of the spatial layout. One technique to display link data uses colored lines between nodes on a network map, and another uses colored squares laid out in matrix form. The authors´ technique to display nodal data uses scaled symbols for each node on a network map. The difference between their techniques and traditional displays is that many of the display characteristics are parameterized, and high-interaction graphical techniques are used to adjust the display in real-time. This dynamic manipulation permits overcoming cluttering problems that plague traditional displays