eerkit is a modeler, generator and visualizer of bundled graphs, graphs whose edges have been "bundled" together or separated according to predefined attract-repulse relations between them. Similar methods have been previously applied to optimize the visual representation of complex graphs. Here it is used as a method to generate performing spatial arrangements diagrams (e.g. form finding or circulation diagrams) that adhere to proximity constraints. This could for instance include the design of structures that do not bear significant loads but are required to reach large spans, e.g. lighting fixtures.

Edge bundling methods can be considered as a simple optimization of physical objects consisting of linear members (think of e.g. tree structures or network structures), with respect to the quantity of material used. Bundling together members of such a structure decreases their overall length and subsequently the overall mass, considering that close-together parallel members may be represented by a single profile. In this sense, arrangements produced by bundling may sometimes approach minimum Steiner trees of a given set of points. Edge Bundling methods can be based on the action of forces between linear members, as shown in (1).

The physics engine behind the application is volatileprototypes's own fvlib.

Release 2 of eerkit has been enriched with a lot of functionality. It is now possible to edit most of the properties of the flex elements, add and delete linear and point elements etc.

Released under the BSD License.

Uses the peasycam library and the fvlib library.

References

(1) Holten, D., van Wijk, J., Force-Directed Edge Bundling for Graph Visualization