Graph Access Pattern Diagrams (GAP-D): Towards a unified approach for modeling navigation over hierarchical, linear and networked structures

Abstract

In this paper we motivate the advantages of a unified, language-independent concept for describing and defining navigation systems based on underlying graph structures. We expect that such an approach will lower the effort for implementing navigation systems with application frameworks while increasing the configurability and reusability of navigation systems at the same time. It also allows adapting navigation components to new data sources easily. A visual notation called Graph Access Pattern Diagrams (GAP-Ds) is outlined and its expressivity is demonstrated by examples. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.