Network graphs

Network Graphs are ideal for visualizing relationships and identifying inflows and outflows in large hierarchical datasets .

Chart Setup

To build a network graph that shows inflows and outflows:

Axis

Drag the dimension to plot the nodes (e.g., Warehouse, Delivery Location).

Values parameter

Drag one measure (e.g., Total Cost).

Chart type

Select Hierarchy > Network graph

Leverage Network Graphs to easily identify in-flows and out-flows and uncover relationships in large hierarchical datasets. They can be applied in logistics for mapping relationships between vendors, warehouses, and delivery points. The arrows directed outwards from the central node('Dallas') represent the outflows from the warehouse to the delivery locations. Similarly, the arrows directed inwards towards the cental node represent the inflows to the warehouse.

To build a network graph to visualize hierarchical data

Axis

Drag the dimensions to plot the nodes in the hierarchy(e.g., Organization, Department, Team).

Values parameter

Drag one measure (e.g., Salary).

Chart type

Select Hierarchy > Network graph

Network Graphs are ideal for visualizing relationships between entities in organizational structures. The departments in an organization and the individual teams mapped to each department can be represented by connecting the nodes to form a tree-like structure.

Expand and collapse hierarchical network graphs by right-clicking the parent node.

Customization & Formatting under Canvas Settings

Use canvas settings to control the look and behavior of your chart. You can customize network graphs from the Network tab.

1. Marker size

Set the size for the smallest and largest markers in the graph.

2. Source and target mode

When you depict inflows and outflows, enable the toggle to show both inflows and outflows from a single central node. This option will be enabled only when you have two axis dimensions.

In this case, 'Dallas' is the central node.

When the toggle is disabled, inflows will be shown from one node and outflows will be rendered from another.

Notice how there are 2 separate nodes for 'Dallas' to depict inflows and outflows.

3. Layout

Select the layout based on the type of data you are visualizing with the network graph.

4. Marker outline

Render an outline for each node. Choose to display an outline only for parent nodes or for all nodes.

Format

Select the color and width of the outline.

Show outline on

Render the node outline permanently or only when hovering over a particular node.

On hover:

On display:

5. Node format

Customize the appearance of the nodes based on the level or set a uniform design.

By level: Set the shape and color for the nodes based on their level, making it easier to identify the level to which a node belongs.

All nodes: Assign a uniform shape for all nodes, irrespective of the level.

Color mode: This option is enabled when Node format is set to 'All nodes'. Choose a single color across the graph with the 'Fixed' option or set the color based on the node level with the 'Dynamic' option. If you have chosen the fixed option, you can also choose solid, outlined, or hatched fill patterns.

6. Link

Customize the links connecting the nodes. Choose the 'Dynamic' option to render links according to the levels being connected. Choose the 'Default' option for uniform links to all nodes.

Format: Use solid, dotted, or dashed lines to connect nodes. You can also set the thickness of the connector lines.

Style: Choose between normal, smooth curves, and S-shaped curves to render links.

Color: Choose between a single color, a gradient color scheme, or set the color based on the source or target.

7. Directional arrow

Enable this toggle to render arrows that show the source and target in the case of inflows and outflows or the parent-child relationship for hierarchies.

Show: To render arrows only while hovering over a link, select the 'On hover' radio button. To permanently display arrows, choose 'On display'.
Format: Set the thickness and color of the arrows.