The Spherical Retractable Bubble Space: An Egocentric Graph Visualization throughout a Retractable Visualization Space

Abstract

In this paper, we present a new egocentric metaphor for graph visualization that consists in positioning a graph between two concentric spheres of different radii. It improves the expansion of nodes in space, contrary to 3D spatialization algorithms. The edge drawing is optimized by pushing all the edges into the area delimited by our two concentric spheres so that a user can move freely without being encumbered by edges. Our new metaphor also makes it possible to reduce the display angles in order to have a global view of the graph without leaving the egocentricity.

State of the Art of Graph Visualization in non‐Euclidean Spaces

“…A user is placed inside the sphere with a head-mounted display, and is free to look around to gain understanding of the network data. In [KDB23], a user is placed in the center of a spherical drawing dubbed an 'egocentric' view. This also allows areas to be 'retracted' and brought closer to the user.…”