Spring-embedded graphs for semantic visualization

Abstract

In this chapter we have presented a graph drawing system for visualizing ontologies and collections of instance data on the Semantic Web. Related entities are drawn close to each other with a directed edge to symbolize the relationship, and the system is also capable of producing sensible automatic layouts of disconnected graphs. Through two case studies involving a real, deployed ontology and an aggregated set of instance data, we show how patterns about the underlying structure are more easily understood through the graph drawing than through text or other types of visual displays. © 2006 Springer-Verlag London Limited.