Making a network graph more readable

Question

I have a graph showing nodes on the map of the US. There are between 100 and 400 nodes, and all two nodes have a line connecting them.

The problem is that there are so many connections that the graph becomes virtually meaningless. To deal with this, I have removed, through some simple algorithm, about 10% of nodes each time. Still, however, the graph is not very readable. This is what it looks like with 10% removed:

The purpose of the graph is to see which connections are strongest (the brightest lines indicate strongest connections). But, as I'm sure you would agree, it's pretty hard to interpret anything.

What are your suggestions for making this graph more readable?

Answer 1

Use filters as much as possible to drill down the data representation to a meaningful level. Filters such as

• States (Location)
• Time
• Dates
• Years

And as you mentioned define different filters from Strongest to weak connections.

Example;

• Strongest
• Stronger
• Medium
• Slightly strong
• weak

You can use different colors than darker or lighter in the same color. Test with users and see what type of filters can be implemented.

Answer 2

I would just show the strongest connections, as this is the purpose of the graph as you said.

Would define a value that I would identify with "strongest connection" and hide the other connections that are inferior to that value.