Relation grammars for modelling multi-dimensional structures

Relation grammars (RGs) are introduced as a possible general framework for specifying the syntax of visual languages and, more generally, of multi-dimensional languages. A formal definition of relation grammars is given. Two examples of applications on graphs are shown. RG formalism is compared to conventional context-free grammars. RGs are used to describe the syntax of horizontal lines and statechart graphs using picture processing grammars and picture layout grammars, respectively.<>