As a branch of graph theory, Graph drawing applies topology and geometry to derive two- and three-dimensional representations of graphs. Graph drawing is motivated by applications such as VLSI circuit design, social network analysis, cartography, and bioinformatics.
Graphs are usually represented pictorially using dots to represent vertices, and arcs to represent the edges between connected vertices. Arrows can be used to show the orientation of directed edges. Note that this graphical representation (a graph layout or an embedding) should not be confused with the graph itself (the abstract, non-graphical structure). Very different layouts can correspond to the same graph (see external link #1). In the abstract, all that matters is which vertices are connected to which others by how many edges. In the concrete, however, the arrangement of these vertices and edges impacts understandability, usability, fabrication cost, and aesthetics.
More on [ Graph drawing ]

graphdrawing.org - Information source for researchers, practitioners, developers, and users working on all aspects of graph visualization and representation.
Meta Description: [ graph drawing ]
AGD - Algorithms for Graph Drawing - AGD offers a broad range of existing algorithms for two-dimensional graph drawing and tools for implementing new algorithms. It is a product of a cooperation of groups in Halle, Köln, and Saarbrücken supported by the DFG in the program Design, Analysis, Implementation, and Evaluation of Graph Drawing Algorithms
aiSee Graph Layout Software - aiSee automatically calculates a customizable layout of graphs specified in GDL (graph description language). aiSee supports 15 basic graph layout algorithms, recursive subgraph nesting, fish-eye views and easy printing. It has been optimized to handle large graphs automatically generated by applications (e.g. compilers).
Meta Description: [ aiSee supports 15 basic graph layout algorithms, recursive subgraph nesting and export of graphs to PostScript, PNG and SVG. Its design has been optimized to handle large graphs automatically generated by applications (e.g. compilers). ]
Cabri-graphs - Free Macintosh software for graph theory.
Carrier-class network topology swing components - TWaver is a complete suite of Java graphic components for telecommunication operations support systems (OSS).
CCVisu: A Tool for Force-Directed Graph Layout - CCVisu is a light-weight Java tool for force-directed graph layout and visual clustering. The layout is minimized using the algorithm of Barnes and Hut, and several energy models are supported. The resulting layouts are provided in text format, as VRML or SVG, or displayed on the screen.
GDToolkit - a Graph Drawing Toolkit - GDToolkit (also known as GDT) is a Graph Drawing Toolkit designed to efficiently manipulate several types of graph, and to automatically draw them according to many different aesthetic criteria and constraints.
GoVisual - GoVisual-API is a library of layout algorithms that can be integrated into C++, .NET or Java applications. Includes advanced layout for UML diagrams and cluster diagrams.
Graph Drawing Resources - Links to research groups and software.
Graph Drawing Software - Draws automatically large, directed graphs in high quality. It includes a graph editor, navigation features, an API for use by other programs and is available for Windows, Linux, FreeBSD and Solaris in English and German.
Graph Magics - A tool for graph theory, having a generator and offering various algorithms: shortest paths, network flows, maximal clique, optimal coloring etc.
Meta Description: [ Graph Magics - an ultimate software for graph theory, having many very useful things, among which a strong graph generator and more than 15 different algorithms that one may apply to graphs (ex. Shortest Path, Network Flows, Minimum Cut, Maximum Clique, Chinese Postman Problem, Graph Center, Grap... ]
Graph Visualisation Experiments - Attempts to apply force-directed layout (by Touchgraph) on various datasets, including dmoz.org categories and web site link structures.
Meta Description: [ Some Experiments with graph visualisation techniques ]
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Graphlet - A toolkit for graph editors and graph algorithms. Unix and Win32 binaries for free download.
GraphViz - Open source graph (network) visualization project from ATT Research. Has directed and undirected graph layout; many features for concrete diagrams, drivers for web and other graphics formats, and a plug-in architecture for GUIs and scripting languages.
HyperGraph - HyperGraph visualizes hyperbolic trees and graphs. It is used to show topic maps, sitemaps or hierarchies.
ILOG JViews Graph Layout Package - ILOG JViews Graph Layout Package simplifies complicated diagrams. The package rearranges complex graph data sets into clear on-screen drawings. Core information represented by nodes and links is much easier to understand.
Meta Description: [ Quickly create advanced graphical diagram and dashboard displays in Java for deployment to desktop or Ajax-enhanced web. ]
Mascopt - A set of java tools for network and graph optimization problems. It features basic graph algorithms and graphical user interfaces. Mascopt is under LGPL license.
Pajek - a Package for Large Network Analysis - This program runs under Windows NT/9x and provides some analysis tools for large networks and graph-drawing capabilities.
PIGALE - Public Implementation of a Graph Algorithm Library and Editor - PIGALE is a graph editor and an algorithm library essentially concerned with planar graphs. Written in C++ and interfaced with the Qt library, it is particularly intended for graph theoretical research. PIGALE is released under GPL.
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QuickGraph - A C# graph library with Graphviz support, provides directed/undirected graph data structure for .Net.
The Open Source Java Graph Library - JGraph is a freely available Java Graph Component for the visualization and layout of graphs.
Meta Description: [ JGraph is an open source Swing Java Graph visualization and layout library, JGraph is an open source Swing Java Graph visualization and layout library ]
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The PPGraph graph editor - A simple graph editor for MS Pocket PC 2002. Supports the GML file format.
Tom Sawyer Software - Graph analysis and visualization component software for ActiveX, C++, Java, JSP, MFC and .NET. Free trial download.
Meta Description: [ A content-rich site and online store showcasing Tom Sawyer Software, the leader in graph management, graph analysis, graph layout, and graph visualization components and software. ]
Tulip - System dedicated to the visualization of huge graphs. It manages graphs with a number of elements (nodes and edges) up to 500,000 on a personal computer. It features 3D visualization and modification. GPL.
Meta Description: [ Tulip is a software system dedicated to the visualization of huge graphs. It enables, 3D visualizations, 3D modifications, plugin support, support for clusters and navigation, and automatic graph drawing. ]
Walrus - Graph Visualization Tool - Walrus is a tool for interactively visualizing large directed graphs in three-dimensional space. By employing 3D hyperbolic geometry to display graphs under a fisheye-like distortion, it provides a display that simultaneously shows local detail and the global context.
yFiles - the Java Graph Drawing Library - yFiles is an extensive Java class library that provides algorithms and components for analyzing, viewing and layouting graphs, diagrams and networks.
Meta Description: [ High-quality Java software components for graph analysis, automatic graph layout, and visualization. ]
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