Features

GraphPolaris provides powerful customization and performance options for node-link diagrams:

Visual Encoding

• Node styling: Use color, size, and shape to represent node attributes (e.g., risk level, entity type, importance).
• Edge styling: Vary thickness, color, or style to show relationship strength, type, or direction.
• Edge bundling: Reduce visual clutter in dense networks by grouping related edges together.

Layout Algorithms

• ForceAtlas2 layout: Physics-based simulation that automatically reveals hubs (cluster centrally), communities ( separate visually), and bridges (nodes connecting groups).
• State-of-the-art layout suite: All major cutting-edge layouts supported out of the box, including:
  • Hierarchical layouts for tree-like structures
  • Layered layouts for directed acyclic graphs
  • Orthogonal layouts for clean, grid-aligned diagrams
  • Circular layouts for comparing groups

Interactivity

• Search and highlight: Find specific entities and see their connections highlighted in context.
• Lasso selection: Draw to select multiple nodes at once.
• Multi-select: Hold modifier keys to build up complex selections.
• Drag and rearrange: Manually position nodes for optimal clarity.
• Zoom and pan: Navigate large networks with smooth controls.

Temporal Analysis

• Temporal filtering: Filter the network to specific time windows.
• Animation: Animate the network over time to see how relationships evolve.

Grouping and Simplification

• Clustering: Group related nodes to simplify complex networks while preserving the ability to drill down.
• Collapse/expand: Hide or reveal node groups on demand.

Performance

• GPU rendering: Traditional SVG handles ~1,000 nodes before lag; our layout engine renders 10,000+ nodes at 60 FPS with smooth interactivity.

Example: A telecommunications company visualized 15,000 cell towers with 80,000 connections in one interactive view.