Question

I have to draw graphs along with edges according to a file input by the user. I am using wxPython for the same.

Once the positions are clear I can easily create circles and edges between the nodes but
I have a problem that given a panel to draw on is there any way I can get to know optimum positions for the vertices to be if I know the number of vertices ?

By optimum I mean simply that its readable what has been drawn and written along with it…..

So say that I have to draw 3 vertices I just want that I am able to clearly get the coordinates of where to place the nodes and if I can make the system automated….

Please help ….

Answer 1

You want a Graph Drawing algorithm. There is ongoing research in this area, but a simple force-directed algorithm can give good results for small graphs. Look at this wikipedia article for the algorithm. You can also get some open source libraries that handle this problem, like NodeBox and Graphvis.