A multi-constraint layout algorithm for dynamic network visualization

Visualizing the evolving process of the dynamic network is a challenge in the Big Data era. In addition to presenting network structure at each time step, the layout sequence should preserve user's mental map. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm based on multiple constraints to achieve an aesthetic layout while maintain a coherent mental map. An evolution parameter, considering time-space changes in the dynamic process, is presented to restrain nodes' movement and preserve mental map. An energy parameter is then applied based on nodes' energy state to achieve a stable and aesthetic layout. The effectiveness of our method is demonstrated by comparing to previous method using two network data sets.