I have a number of rectangular elements that I want to position in a 2D space. I calculate an ideal position for each element. Now my problem is that many elements overlap as very often the ideal positions are concentrated in one region. I want to avoid overlap as much as possible (doesn’t have to be perfect, though). How can I do this?
I’ve heard physics simulations are suitable for this – is that correct? And can anyone provide an example/tutorial?
By the way: I’m using XNA, if you know any .NET library that does exactly this job – tell me!
Box2D is a widly used (free) physics library that can achieve the needed task: Link