Pekka Salmela, Olli S. Nevalainen, Tero Aittokallio:
A Multilevel Graph Layout Algorithm for Cytoscape Bioinformatics Software Platform

ISBN: 978-952-12-2022-7

Abstract

We have implemented a graph layout algorithm of C. Walshaw as a plug-in in
the Cytoscape bioinformatics software platform. The algorithm combines
traditional forcedirected placement of graphs with an efficient multilevel
framework in order to generate clear and aesthetic layouts. It is targeted
especially at displaying large graphs with several thousands of nodes. Our
plug-in, named Multilevel Layout Plugin (or MLLP) works by generating a set of
increasingly coarser graphs and applies force-directed placement to each level
and advances gradually towards final layout. The algorithm works in reasonable
time and is robust for different kinds of graphs to be drawn.