Constrained numerical optimisation techniques for automatic graph drawing

Graph drawing is the field of computer science concerned with automatically generating visualisations of relational network data. It is an important tool for understanding networks such as: biological pathways; complex software designs; social networks such as crime organisations; or communications infrastructure. We aim to develop new graph drawing techniques based on introducing mathematically sound constraint optimisation methods into algorithms that attempt to arrange the graph by minimising a continuous energy function. Compared to existing graph drawing methods this will result in layout of higher quality and layout more easily customised to specific applications.