Poster: Visualizing Protein Interaction Networks as Google Maps

We present a lightweight approach for exploring large protein interaction networks in browsers using the Google Maps API. Feedback from an anecdotal evaluation shows that immediate access to data, low learning overhead and familiarity are appreciated by proteomic researchers, that linking map-zooming to a protein-relevance filter to create a multi-level layout of interacting proteins is desirable, and that, in the context of protein interaction networks, protein duplication is an acceptable technique that can keep interacting proteins close together while removing clutter. Finally, we show how digital map features and additional client graphics can support analysis of experimental data in the context of known interactions.