Visualization of a directed network with focus on its hierarchy and circularity

Abstract

The spring-electric model is a useful tool to visualize a large-scale complex network. However, information on the flow of directed network may not be properly reflected because links are basically treated as undirected. Here, we propose a new visualization method with an explicit account of network flow structure information by combining Helmholtz–Hodge decomposition and the spring-electric model. We then demonstrate its effectiveness by adopting actual Japanese production flow network as a test ground. The Helmholtz–Hodge decomposition enables us to break down flow on a directed network into two flow components: potential flow and circular flow. The potential flow between a pair of nodes is given by difference of their potentials, and hence, the potential of a node shows its hierarchical position in a network. On the other hand, the circular flow component illuminates feedback loops built in a network. We also identify dominant clusters of firms forming feedback loops by applying a flow-based community detection method to the extracted circular flow network. We find that both hierarchical and loop structures coexist within the major industries such as construction, manufacturing, and wholesales.