Visualcomplexity.com - Mapping Complex Networks

Visual Complexity is a virtual and visual catalogue of complex networks. Complex Networks map the intricate relationships between a given set of variables- whether they are the Hudson Bay food web, the Lufthansa systems network, of the genealogy of pop/ rock music. These themes can obviously be studied in any format, but once they are mapped out visually, they produce, on the one hand, a visual layout that is often easier to comprehend than in written format; and, on the other hand, a beautiful and intricate image that can range from something delicate and jelly-fish like to an almost cartoon-like graphic rendering.

“VisualComplexity.com intends to be a unified resource space for anyone interested in the visualization of complex networks. The project's main goal is to leverage a critical understanding of different visualization methods, across a series of disciplines, as diverse as Biology, Social Networks or the World Wide Web. I truly hope this space can inspire, motivate and enlighten any person doing research on this field.”

While its intended purpose is to advance the discipline of visual complex networks (and they have uploaded and created some ground-breaking images), Visual Complexity has everyday appeal as well. The images are beautiful and the descriptions and networks that are mapped are interesting. So, if you are interested in visual complex networks, this is the site to go to. If you feel like stimulating your brain- both visually and mathematically- this site is for you as well.

While the site is interesting, but can it ever really appeal to those outside the immediate discipline for more than a one-time stop?