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182

answers:

2

We've got a pretty complex graph in an Access DB stored as nodes (node1, node2, etc.) and edges between the nodes (n1->n2 etc.).

We'd like to visualize this in an MS Access application. What "graphics packages" would you suggest? How can these be integrated into Access? We're currently using Access 2002.

NOTE: A tree control is not sufficient as we have a more general graph (if you displayed our graph as a tree one node would occur multiple times).

+1  A: 

It depends what you want your Graph visualisation to do, if it is just a picture then you could try using a command line based package like GraphViz. You'd just need to write a macro to invoke GraphViz, output your Graph in the DOT syntax to the GraphViz command line and then display the generated image in Access using a Form.

If you want an interactive visualisation of your Graph I've never used any such package myself so can't recommend one but I'm sure there are some out there.

RobV
A static display of the graph would be fine, so I think I'll try your suggestion ...
IronGoofy
A: 

I've always looked at Excel as being an excellent data visualization and graphing tool in conjunction with Access. (Of course the Excel folks soemtimes don't appreciate my attitude.) Can you easily do the graph in Excel?

Modules: Sample Excel Automation http://www.mvps.org/access/modules/mdl0006.htm Modules: Transferring Records to Excel with Automation http://www.mvps.org/access/modules/mdl0035.htm

Tony Toews
IronGoofy
Sorry, not a clue when it comes to node/edge graphing.
Tony Toews