Demonstration of a preprocessor for the spring embedder

Abstract

Spring embedding is a widely used method for producing automated layouts of graphs. We present a preprocessor that improves the performance of the classical spring embedder, which can be used in conjunction with other optimization and approximation techniques. It creates an initial graph layout with edge lengths that are approximately equal and with a minimum node separation from which the spring embedder typically needs far fewer iterations to produce a well laid out graph. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2002.