NodeXL – steps for data analysis

NodeXL is an effort to bring network analysis tools to a larger audience by leveraging the power of a spreadsheet to make common data import and manipulation tasks easier.

Most data analysis tasks with NodeXL follow a common set of steps:

• Import
• Merge duplicate edges (if appropriate)
• Calculate (some or all) network metrics
• Create clusters
• Insert sub-graph images
• Sort edge list in a way that usefully effects the order of layout in the graph display
• Auto-fill columns (and map data to display attributes): Set shape, color, opacity, size, and label/tooltip
• Show graph
• Read workbook
• Adjust layout
• Dynamic Filters – selectively hide edges and nodes
  • may involve “trimming” parts of the network and then recalculating network metrics and layout
• Layout Again
• Return to spreadsheet to sort or calculate data
• Integrate additional edge lists

Did I miss any steps that you use?  There are multiple analytic goals for network data sets that guide what happens next.

What are your goals for network analysis?