Vizaj-A free online interactive software for visualizing spatial networks.

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Data Visualization
• Network Analysis

Background:

• Complex networks are prevalent in science and technology.
• Visualizing network structure is crucial for understanding connectivity patterns.
• Existing methods often rearrange nodes, which is unsuitable for spatial networks where node positions hold physical meaning.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce Vizaj, a novel javascript web application for rendering spatial networks.
• Provide a tool that preserves intrinsic node features by operating on link profiles.
• Facilitate the exploration and understanding of complex spatial networks.

Main Methods:

• Developed Vizaj, a javascript web application utilizing optimized geometrical criteria to reshape link profiles.
• Implemented interactive customization options including network filtering and control over link trajectories based on internode distance.
• Included features for aesthetic enhancement such as node/link coloring and sizing, and camera controls (zoom, rotate, translate).

Main Results:

• Vizaj effectively renders both 2D and 3D spatial networks.
• The application allows interactive customization for tailored network visualizations.
• Demonstrated the utility of Vizaj on diverse synthetic and real-world spatial networks, from infrastructural to biological systems.

Conclusions:

• Vizaj offers an effective solution for visualizing complex spatial networks without altering node positions.
• The open-source software provides scientists and practitioners with tools for creating informative and aesthetic network visualizations.
• Vizaj aids in making sense of intricate network structures across various scientific domains.