Gephi: An Open Source Software for Exploring and Manipulating Networks

Gephi is an open source software for graph and network analysis. It uses a 3D render engine to display large networks in real-time and to speed up the exploration. A flexible and multi-task architecture brings new possibilities to work with complex data sets and produce valuable visual results. We present several key features of Gephi in the context of interactive exploration and interpretation of networks. It provides easy and broad access to network data and allows for spatializing, filtering, navigating, manipulating and clustering. Finally, by presenting dynamic features of Gephi, we highlight key aspects of dynamic network visualization. Visualization and Exploration of Large Graphs In the aim of understanding networks, the visualization of large graphs has been developed for many years in many successful projects (Batagelj 1998; Shannon 2003; Adar 2006). Visualizations are useful to leverage the perceptual abilities of humans to find features in network structure and data. However this process is inherently difficult and requires exploration strategy (Perer 2006). As well as being technically accurate and visually attractive, network exploration tools must head toward real-time visualizations and analysis to improve the user’s exploratory process. Interactive techniques have successfully guided domain experts through the complex exploration of large networks. We can identify some main requirements for a network exploration tool: high quality layout algorithms, data filtering, clustering, statistics and annotation. In practice these requirements must be included in a flexible, scalable and user-friendly software. Focusing on analysis clarity and on modern user interface, the Gephi project brings better network visualization to both experts and uninitiated audience. Inspired by WYSIWYG editors like Adobe Photoshop, we develop modules set around a center visualization window.