Automatic graph layout adjustment and the mental map

Abstract

Automatic graphic object methods have long been studied in these application areas in which graphic objects should be laid out to satisfy the constraints specific to each application. In these areas, carefully designed algorithms are used to satisfy each application's constraints. However, these algorithms tend to be complicated and not reusable for other applications. Another problem is that most of the automatic applications take a purely combinatorial description of a graph to produce a layout; this method is called the layout method. For interactive systems, another kind of is required: a facility which can adjust the after the user makes some changes in the graph. Although the adjustment is essential, most existing algorithms are designed for creations. The use of the creation model for adjustment may totally rearrange the and thus destroy the user's mental map of the diagram. Thus a set of adjustment methods, different from creation methods is required. In this thesis, a general-purpose interactive graphic system based on genetic algorithms (GA) is proposed. The thesis suggests some adjustment methods for preserving the mental map of the diagram. The system specifically examines the application of GAs to generate a new of a project network graph automatically for effective project management.