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TikZ-network manual (1709.06005v2)

Published 18 Sep 2017 in cs.OH and physics.soc-ph

Abstract: TikZ-network is an open source software project for visualizing graphs and networks in LaTeX. It aims to provide a simple and easy tool to create, visualize and modify complex networks. The packaged is based on the PGF/TikZ languages for producing vector graphics from a geometric/algebraic description. Particular focus is made on the software usability and interoperability with other tools. Simple networks can be directly created within LaTeX, while more complex networks can be imported from external sources (e.g. igraph, networkx, QGIS, ...). Additionally, tikz-network supports visualization of multilayer networks in two and three dimensions. The software is available at: https://github.com/hackl/tikz-network.

Citations (2)

Summary

  • The paper introduces a LaTeX package that simplifies complex network visualization by integrating with scientific documents.
  • It employs a layered approach for both 2D and 3D network rendering using intuitive commands and external data sources.
  • The package ensures compatibility with LaTeX while supporting post-processing and future enhancements for advanced network analysis.

An Overview of the "tikz-network" Package by Jürgen Hackl

The manual "tikz-network" by Jürgen Hackl introduces the usage and functionalities of the tikz-network, a LaTeX package designed for the visualization of complex networks. The tikz-network package addresses several limitations associated with existing network visualization tools. These limitations include the dependency on specific software, challenges in embedding visual outputs within LaTeX documents, and difficulties associated with graph post-processing. The tikz-network package aims to overcome these challenges by operating entirely within the LaTeX ecosystem, offering seamless integration with scientific publications.

Key Features and Functionalities

  1. Comprehensive Network Visualization: The package supports the creation and visualization of both simple and complex networks directly within LaTeX. It provides capabilities for manual network construction and visualization of networks from external data sources, using Python modules like igraph and networkx.
  2. Layered and Multidimensional Visualization: One of the main advantages of tikz-network is the ability to visualize multilayer and three-dimensional networks. This is achieved through the assignment of network elements (vertices, edges) to specific layers, allowing for sophisticated representations of complex network structures. The manual illustrates the usage of the package to render networks in both 2D and 3D, with flexible options for layer arrangement.
  3. Ease of Network Manipulation: Through straightforward commands, tikz-network facilitates network manipulation without requiring extensive programming knowledge. Users can modify network attributes such as vertex size, edge width, colors, and labels with intuitive commands and options.
  4. Compatibility and Integration: The package is compatible with existing LaTeX features, ensuring consistent styling (such as fonts and mathematical symbols) within documents. This enhances the overall quality and integration of the network visuals within scientific publications.
  5. Support for Post-Processing: The package allows for post-processing of networks directly in LaTeX without rerunning external software. This includes the ability to add extra annotations, modify network elements, and incorporate additional LaTeX features.

Implications for Network Analysis

The tikz-network package represents a significant advancement in the ease and flexibility with which researchers can integrate complex network visualizations into LaTeX documents. It supports a wide range of applications across disciplines where network analysis is applicable, such as social network analysis, biological network exploration, and transportation networks.

Future Developments

The manual notes potential future enhancements to the package, such as adding a spherical coordinate system and expanding the toolkit to include integration with QGIS. These developments could broaden the applicability of tikz-network, making it a more robust tool for geospatial network analysis and other complex network visualizations.

Conclusion

Overall, the tikz-network package greatly simplifies the process of network visualization for LaTeX users, integrating seamlessly with existing LaTeX document workflows. By overcoming common challenges in network visualizations and providing a user-friendly interface, it supports researchers in effectively communicating complex network relationships within scientific publications. As the package evolves, it promises to contribute even further to the field of network analysis, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with network visualization in LaTeX.

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