Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
When should I pick Network graph maps?
When the story is: org influence maps, dependency graphs, classroom social maps.
When should I avoid Network graph maps?
Skip it in cases like: a simple org chart or bullet list already carries the claim.
Who invented or popularised it?
Force-directed layouts; Cytoscape.js and friends on GitHub
What does it encode?
nodes and edges with force or hierarchical layout
Is it OK in ads?
Yes if one claim is visible at a glance in Meta, Google and retail print; otherwise link to a full figure.
Will a teacher accept it?
Yes for lab reports and poster boards if axes, units and a source line are present.
Network graph maps encodes values as nodes and edges with force or hierarchical layout. Force-directed layouts; Cytoscape.js and friends on GitHub.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits org influence maps, dependency graphs, classroom social maps. Skip it when a simple org chart or bullet list already carries the claim.
Parts
- Mark — The core mark of Network graph maps is nodes and edges with force or hierarchical layout.
- Scale — The scale must show zero (or a declared break) and units.
- Axis — Axis titles name the variable, not a mood.
- Legend — A legend is weaker than a direct label. Write beside the mark when you can.
- Label — Numbers are optional. If comparison is the job, label the ends only.
- Grid — Keep the grid faint. Data should own the ink.
- Annotation — One annotation sentence. Date the source.
- Frame — A thin frame. Never a 3-D box.
Variants
- Node-link diagram — Variant 1 of Network graph maps (Node-link diagram). Same encoding, different layout.
- Force graph — Variant 2 of Network graph maps (Force graph). Same encoding, different layout.
- Relationship map — Variant 3 of Network graph maps (Relationship map). Same encoding, different layout.
- Network graph maps 4 — Variant 4 of Network graph maps (Network graph maps 4). Same encoding, different layout.
Labels
- Axis — On Network graph maps, make Mark readable.
- Legend — On Network graph maps, make Scale readable.
- Label — On Network graph maps, make Axis readable.
- Grid — On Network graph maps, make Legend readable.
- Annotation — On Network graph maps, make Label readable.
Network graph maps: honour nodes and edges with force or hierarchical layout, and switch when a simple org chart or bullet list already carries the claim.