Structural differences between two graphs through hierarchies

This paper presents a technique for visualizing the differences between two graphs. The technique assumes that a unique labeling of the nodes for each graph is available, where if a pair of labels match, they correspond to the same node in both graphs. Such labeling often exists in many application areas: IP addresses in computer networks, namespaces, class names, and function names in software engineering, to name a few. As many areas of the graph may be the same in both graphs, we visualize large areas of difference through a graph hierarchy. We introduce a path-preserving coarsening technique for degree one nodes of the same classification. We also introduce a path-preserving coarsening technique based on betweenness centrality that is able to illustrate major differences between two graphs.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2009
• Where: GRAPHICSINTERFACE
• Authors: Daniel Archambault
• Keywords: Computer Graphics, Graph Hierarchy, GRAPHICSINTERFACE 2009, Path-preserving Coarsening Technique, Unique Labeling