Automatic Spacing for Flowchart

Answer 1

You could use a spring model between the nodes. Each node exerts a repelling force against every other node. Allow all the nodes to push against each other a certain number of times and you'll come up with a reasonable solution. You'll want to have a couple limits to make sure nodes don't go flying off into space and that you don't oscillate between a couple similar states.

Implementing it in Javascript/PHP is left as an exercise for the reader.

An alternative is to use a graph layout program such as GraphViz.

Answer 2

I look forward to seeing the results of your project. I agree with scompt about using graphviz.