Abstract:
Multi-Ani is an interface written in Java
that can be used for implementing and visualizing
graph-drawing algorithms with smooth transitions
between layouts.
Multi-Ani displays a sequence of drawings, D1, D2...Dn
of a graph, G = (V, E); each drawing D1, is a key
frame of the visualization that is calculated by a
particular drawing algorithm Ai. The system uses the
layout animation to produce a sequence of "inbetweening"
screens between any two drawings.
This gives the user a visual impression of how a
layout algorithm works, and what the differences are
between two drawing algorithms by showing a
sequence of smooth, continuous interpolations. It also
preserves the mental map of the user after each
transformation.
