Basic Network Plotting and Layout

Abstract

As suggested in Chap. 2, producing and examining a network plot is often one of the first steps in network analysis. The overall purpose of a network graphic (as with any information graphic) is to highlight the important information contained in the underlying data. However, there are innumerable ways to visually layout network nodes and ties in two-dimensional space, as well as using graphical elements (e.g., node size, line color, figure legend, etc.) to communicate the story in the network data. In the next three chapters we go over basic principles of effective network graph design, and how to produce effective network visualizations in R.

Above all else, show the data. ( Edward R. Tufte, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information)