Genetic Grid Layout

Context & Objective

• The Genetic Grid Layout algorithm is useful for highly connected networks.
• The algorithm evaluates the layout based on the following objectives:
  • Position parent nodes above their child nodes.
  • Maximize verticality of arcs.
  • Minimize the overlap of nodes.
  • Minimize the crossing of arcs.
  • Minimize the overlap of arcs and nodes.
• In Validation Mode and while the Arc Analysis Mode is active, the Genetic Grid Layout algorithm has an additional objective:
  • It positions the nodes so that the arc lengths are inversely proportional to the strength of the arc.
  • This means the shorter the arcs, the stronger the relationship between the nodes.

Usage

• Main Menu > View > Layout > Genetic Grid Layout >:
  • Top-Down Repartition Function.
  • Bottom-Up Repartition Function.

Settings

• Under Main Menu > Window > Preferences > Automatic Layout > Genetic Layout Algorithm > Evaluation Function, you can specify weights for the elements of the evaluation function.