FADE: A Layout Facility for Graph-based Diagrams

In this paper we present a novel approach to the layout problem of 2-dimensional graph-based diagrams. We introduce a framework for efficiently solving constrained layout problems encompassing geometrical and graph-based algorithms especially dedicated to the generation of diagrams. These concepts as well as the aesthetics for the readability of diagrams are presented by introducing FADE 1 . FADE is a user-parametrizable framework for the generation of EXPRESS-G diagrams. Our present implementation is discussed considering extensions to other classes of graphs and layout problems. Additionally, competitive approaches in this domain and their limitations are critically reviewed. 1 Introduction Interactive visual modeling plays an important role in science. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in pictorial representations since they can more concisely capture relevant information rather than a pure text document. In many cases, the information can be modeled by a graph or a hy..