Hyperspace [7] is an 3-dimensional, interactive, self organising visualisation system for graph visualisation. Previous application have included both visualisation of object-oriented programs [8] and the structure of World Wide Web [9] [10].
Hyperspace uses a simulated physics to organise a graph visualisation, in which nodes and links are represented by spheres and lines respectively. The nodes are free to move in a 3D space, under the influence of various forces. A repulsive force causes each node to repels every other node and is inversely proportional to the distance between the two nodes. This causes close nodes to move apart. An attractive force also applies between every pair of nodes, but is proportional to the inter-node distance, causing distant nodes to move nearer together. These forces balance at a distance determined by their relative strengths.
Links exert a force, which can be either attractive or repulsive, on the nodes to which they are connected.
Initially, HyperSpace places nodes randomly within a region of the space. The forces on the nodes are then calculated and the nodes moved appropriately. After a small number of iteration, a stable and static configuration of nodes and links is reached.
HyperSpace is interactive, and the user can navigate through the 3D space in real time by using a mouse. Sets of nodes can be selected, and both nodes and links can be hidden, revealed, activated and de-activated. The relative strengths of these forces can also be manipulated dynamically.