Graph Navigator

Graph Navigator is a multi-view data exploration tool for navigating graph-structured data through four complementary interfaces.

Abstract

The Graph Navigator provides seamless switching between different visualization modes:

• Node View - Property editor showing node attributes and available edges as navigational links
• Table View - Structured display of selected records with relationship links
• Tree View - Hierarchical navigation along predefined hierarchy paths
• Graph View - Visual network exploration with neighbor filtering based on relevance criteria (count, frequency, custom scoring)

All views maintain synchronized state, enabling fluid navigation between detailed inspection and broad network overview.

Air Routes Example

Using the Apache TinkerPop air routes dataset:

• Airports - Nodes with IATA codes, coordinates, runway data
• Routes - Directed edges with distance, airline, frequency information
• Airlines - Carrier entities with fleet details
• Geographical hierarchy - Continent → Country → Region → City structure

The dataset enables exploration of global aviation networks, hub identification, and route optimization analysis.

Tutorial: Abstract to Example Mapping

Node View → Airport Details

• Node properties become airport attributes (IATA, name, coordinates, runways)
• Available edges become clickable route destinations
• Edge grouping organizes routes by airline or aircraft type

Table View → Airport Listings

• Selected records are filtered airport sets (by country, region, hub status)
• Relationship links are route connections to destination airports
• Structured display shows sortable columns for traffic, route count, distance

Tree View → Geographic Navigation

• Hierarchy path follows continent → country → city administrative levels
• Navigation enables drilling down from global to local airport views
• Path context shows current geographic focus with breadcrumbs

Graph View → Route Network

• Visual network displays airports positioned by coordinates
• Neighbor filtering uses traffic volume, flight frequency, or distance thresholds
• Relevance criteria highlight major hubs, busy routes, or airline-specific networks
• Free navigation enables exploration from any airport to discover connection patterns