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Software for Social Networking Diagrams?

Posted by Cliff on from the we-could-use-Twin-Peaks-as-a-test-case dept.

jonerik writes "A friend of mine who is attempting to create three-dimensional computer models of social networks is looking for software that can do the job; in her words, 'the computer version of a tinker toy set.' She'd prefer software for the Mac, however she has access to PCs so MS-based software would be okay, too. Anyone have any thoughts on the subject?" Think about molecular modelling, where each "atom" is either an agency or an individual and the "bond" is the connection between the two.

"More specifically, here's what she'd like it to be:

  • easy to learn for someone without graphics background- 'I can NOT make a career out of learning it.'
  • something like a molecular model of social networks where each node represents an agency and can have many different types of connections. It should at least be able to handle something on the order of 250 interconnected nodes.
  • able to edit the model on the fly - adding information as I learn about connections.
  • able to rotate the model, enlarge sections to view detail, and maybe somehow attach descriptions to the nodes and connections (so one can identify a connection with a particular agency role or individual)."

2 of 24 comments (clear)

  1. Think RDF by Bazzargh · · Score: 4, Informative

    RDF - the XML format for metadata - essentially describes relationships between resources and is a superset of the problem area you describe. I had a cursory look to see if people had taken the obvious step of using diagram tools to edit rdf and yes they have:

    Using DIA and GraMToR and GraphViz and IsaViz and lots lots more

    You might also be interested in They Rule which draws some interesting social networks!

    While this is all standard 2d editing (I think the 3d editing thing is nonsense btw, unless you actually have a 3d coordinate system then you are actually describing a 2d network diagram) there are other visualisation options which may be interesting. Mindmapping tools allow you to navigate the network of concepts may be interesting as are star trees. Both provide a focussed view on a small part of a much larger network with some context information to help you choose how to navigate. They are more useful for display than authoring.

    Hope something in here is useful

    -Baz

  2. network mapping software by orgnet · · Score: 3, Informative

    3D molecules? Try Mage: http://kinemage.biochem.duke.edu/

    Warning: these 3D diagrams lose their appeal when the network > 40 nodes. 2D still works the best for large networks.

    A few real network maps...

    • 9-11 Hijackers & associates [63 nodes]: http://www.orgnet.com/hijackers.html
    • Internet industry partnerships [222 nodes]: http://www.orgnet.com/netindustry.html
    • Interactive Java applet of Internet industry partnerships [try right-click options]: http://www.orgnet.com/inetindustry.html
    • Advice network in I/T department[64 nodes]: http://www.orgnet.com/experts.html

    And finally, a brief intro to Social Network Analysis: http://www.orgnet.com/sna.html

    Enjoy!