System for arranging a plurality of relational nodes into graphical layout form

A method for generating a graphical layout for a plurality of nodes based on the presence of predetermined inter-nodal relationships between the nodes, the method being computer-implemented using a computer comprising a processor and a computer memory, comprising:

• within computer memory, grouping nodes into one or more clusters, each containing one or more nodes, based on the inter-nodal relationships;
• within computer memory, determining inter-cluster relationships from the inter-nodal relationships;
• within computer memory, determining a spatial layout of the clusters based on the determined inter-cluster relationships;
• within computer memory, for each cluster containing multiple nodes,
• prior to determining positions for nodes, determining a fixed boundary for the cluster;
• classifying the nodes in the cluster as either internal or boundary nodes;
• projecting the boundary nodes to the boundary of the cluster and determining a spatial layout of the boundary nodes such that each boundary node abuts or straddles the boundary for the cluster;
• and
• determining a spatial layout of the internal nodes such that multiple internal nodes are laid out with reference to one another;
• and
• providing from computer memory a graphical representation of the plurality of nodes in accordance with the spatial layout.