This post describes how to apply different layouts to a
network diagram using the
igraph R library. It gives reproducible code showing
how to use the offered algorithms.
Network layouts are algorithms that return coordinates for each node
in a network. The
igraph library offers several built-in layouts, and a
sample of them is presented here.
Usually, algorithms try to minimize edge crossing and prevent overlap. Edges can have uniform length or not.
Choose your layout using the layout argument. Type
help(layout) to see all the possibilities.
In practice, the fruchterman reingold algorythm is
often used.
# library
library(igraph)
# Create data
data <- matrix(sample(0:1, 400, replace=TRUE, prob=c(0.8,0.2)), nrow=20)
network <- graph_from_adjacency_matrix(data , mode='undirected', diag=F )
# When ploting, we can use different layouts:
par(mfrow=c(2,2), mar=c(1,1,1,1))
plot(network, layout=layout.sphere, main="sphere")
plot(network, layout=layout.circle, main="circle")
plot(network, layout=layout.random, main="random")
plot(network, layout=layout.fruchterman.reingold, main="fruchterman.reingold")
# See the complete list with
# help(layout)
👋 After crafting hundreds of R charts over 12 years, I've distilled my top 10 tips and tricks. Receive them via email! One insight per day for the next 10 days! 🔥