Complex Network Analysis in Python

Sketch the Network

You’re done with rough rendering, but the layout is still awful. Let’s turn our attention to the lower-left corner of Gephi. Select your favorite layout from the “Choose a layout” pull-down menu. When a network is large (500 or more nodes), the Fruchterman-Reingold layout is usually the most efficient. For smaller networks, the ForceAtlas 2 layout, with some tweaking, works marvels. To make things easier, here’s a tip: set the scaling to 100.0 (to place nodes reasonably far apart) and check the Prevent Overlap box. Run the tool for a while. You’ll notice that after a couple of seconds, the nodes settle at their new positions, but the graph as a whole may continue drifting, rotating, or both.

The last step is to adjust the ...