Graphsplatting: visualizing graphs as continuous fields

Abstract

This paper introduces GraphSplatting, a technique which transforms a graph into a two-dimensional scalar field. The scalar field can be rendered as a color coded map, a height field, or a set of contours. Splat fields allow for the visualization of arbitrarily large graphs without cluttering. They provide density information which can be used to determine the structure of the graph. The construction, visualization, and interaction with splat fields is discussed. Two applications illustrate the usage of GraphSplatting.