Graph Drawing by Force-directed Placement

This paper introduces a force-directed algorithm for drawing undirected graphs. The algorithm treats the graph as a physical system where nodes are like electrically charged particles that repel each other, and edges are like springs that attract connected nodes. By simulating this physical system until it reaches equilibrium, the algorithm produces aesthetically pleasing graph layouts where nodes are evenly distributed and edge crossings are minimized. This approach provides a general method for visualizing graphs without relying on specific graph properties.