ForceAtlas2, a Continuous Graph Layout Algorithm for Handy Network Visualization Designed for the Gephi Software

Abstract

Gephi is a network visualization software used in various disciplines (social network analysis, biology, genomics…). One of its key features is the ability to display the spatialization process, aiming at transforming the network into a map, and ForceAtlas2 is its default layout algorithm. The latter is developed by the Gephi team as an all-around solution to Gephi users’ typical networks (scale-free, 10 to 10,000 nodes). We present here for the first time its functioning and settings. ForceAtlas2 is a force-directed layout close to other algorithms used for network spatialization. We do not claim a theoretical advance but an attempt to integrate different techniques such as the Barnes Hut simulation, degree-dependent repulsive force, and local and global adaptive temperatures. It is designed for the Gephi user experience (it is a continuous algorithm), and we explain which constraints it implies. The algorithm benefits from much feedback and is developed in order to provide many possibilities through its settings. We lay out its complete functioning for the users who need a precise understanding of its behaviour, from the formulas to graphic illustration of the result. We propose a benchmark for our compromise between performance and quality. We also explain why we integrated its various features and discuss our design choices.

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“…These findings suggest that while the debate about Heartbleed focused on many of the same issues, the groups also had specific concerns that were unique to their industry/sector and expertise. The results were verified using various visualisation tools such as Gephi (Bastian et al, 2009), ForceAtlas2 (see Jacomy et al, 2014) and iGraph (Csardi and Nepusz, 2006). Some researchers have developed specific visualisation tools for Twitter (see Aragón et al, 2011).…”

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“…To quantify network modularity, the force atlas layout was selected (Jacomy et al 2014, Noack 2009) and the Gephi Modularity Class Louvain algorithm was (Blondel et al 2008). Seventeen distinctive 'hubs' were detected within the network, each accounting for >1% of the total network traffic (Csermely 2008).…”