Evaluate different layout algorithms / interaction with graphs

I have to write a report on the following question:

Evaluate different layout algorithms / interaction with graphs

Where can I find useful resource to understan开发者_StackOverflowd graph layout algorithms?

I have no experience in graph programming or visualisation, so resources starting from basics would be very helpful.

Thank You

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You might want to check the extensive documentation of the igraph software, which has some description of its internal layout generators. There are also nice illustrations on aiSee website.

For more academic reference, I would suggest browsing the following tutorials: Graph Drawing Tutorial (106 pages) or Graph and Network Visualization (69 pages).

Another useful resource: Handbook of Graph Drawing and Visualization (26 chapters, available as PDF).

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The GraphViz project contain lots of different approaches and links to several references.