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Network Graph Analysis and Visualization with Gephi
Gephi is a great platform for analyzing and turning your data into highly communicative visualizations, and this book will teach you to create your own network graphs, and then customize and publish them to the web. Overview In Detail Gephi is an interactive visualization and exploration platform for all kinds of networks and complex systems. Social media data has helped to drive network visualization to new levels of relevance and importance. However, there is far more to network visualization than just social media data. For analyzing and visualizing network graphs, you need to have an excellent platform, and you need to know ways to use your data effectively. Network Graph Analysis and Visualization with Gephi is a practical, hands-on guide that provides you with all the tools you need to begin creating your own network graphs. You will learn how to import data, test multiple graph layouts, and publish your visualizations to the Web. Network Graph Analysis and Visualization with Gephi will teach you how to create your own network graphs using Gephi. The book begins by taking you through the installation of Gephi and configuring the installation options. You will also get acquainted with the Gephi workspace and the various tools in Gephi. Next, you'll use these tools to create your own graphs. If you need to add more capability to your personal toolkit, you will be learning to Download and install several of the best Gephi layout plugins. You will then use these layouts simultaneously to produce beautiful graphs. Also, you create and import data in Gephi and add some new plugins that extend Gephi even further. You also gain the skills to prepare and customize your network visualization for export. By the end of this book, you will be able to create your own network graphs using Gephi, customize the look and feel of your graphs, and successfully publish them to the Web. What you will learn from this book Approach A practical, hands-on guide, that provides you with all the tools you need to visualize and analyze your data using network graphs with Gephi. Who this book is written for This book is for data analysts who want to intuitively reveal patterns and trends, highlight outliers, and tell stories with their data using Gephi. It is great for anyone looking to explore interactions within network datasets, whether the data comes from social media or elsewhere. It is also a valuable resource for those seeking to learn more about Gephi without being overwhelmed by technical details.
116 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 17, 2013
Writing simple, introductory books on complex subjects is a difficult task, and one that Ken Cherven performs beautifully.
This book is a good introduction to the topic for somebody who needs to get the general idea (say, a data science manager's manager) without actually having to produce a graph analysis and interpret its results (no, the two tasks cannot be performed by separate actors).
Beginning network scientists can also use the book as a gephi tutorial.
Although network analysis and visualization are complex disciplines, the author succeeds in providing a good overview of why they are important and what answers they can provide, using many practical examples from a well-chosen, easy-to-understand dataset.
The author also succeeds in guiding a beginner around Gephi's interface that, although well-designed and structured, doesn't hide the complexity of graph analysis.
I would have liked to see a little more detail given to the fundamental definitions of graph analysis: betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, degree, etc. Instead, they make a fleeting appearance at the end of the "Advanced Features" chapter. On the positive side, they are reasonably if rapidly illustrated with examples; still, I think they would have deserved much more attention.
Also, the index is very limited and of little practical use, a defect that could be easily avoided in e-books.
Still, Network Graph Analysis and Visualization with Gephi is a good introduction to a very complex discipline that is justly experiencing explosive growth.
I give it 3 stars (actually, 3+) rather than 4, only because its few drawbacks could have been easily avoided.
You can find the book at the publisher's site here: http://goo.gl/VzKwS7
This book is a good introduction to the topic for somebody who needs to get the general idea (say, a data science manager's manager) without actually having to produce a graph analysis and interpret its results (no, the two tasks cannot be performed by separate actors).
Beginning network scientists can also use the book as a gephi tutorial.
Although network analysis and visualization are complex disciplines, the author succeeds in providing a good overview of why they are important and what answers they can provide, using many practical examples from a well-chosen, easy-to-understand dataset.
The author also succeeds in guiding a beginner around Gephi's interface that, although well-designed and structured, doesn't hide the complexity of graph analysis.
I would have liked to see a little more detail given to the fundamental definitions of graph analysis: betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, degree, etc. Instead, they make a fleeting appearance at the end of the "Advanced Features" chapter. On the positive side, they are reasonably if rapidly illustrated with examples; still, I think they would have deserved much more attention.
Also, the index is very limited and of little practical use, a defect that could be easily avoided in e-books.
Still, Network Graph Analysis and Visualization with Gephi is a good introduction to a very complex discipline that is justly experiencing explosive growth.
I give it 3 stars (actually, 3+) rather than 4, only because its few drawbacks could have been easily avoided.
You can find the book at the publisher's site here: http://goo.gl/VzKwS7
November 18, 2013
Nice reference guide to help people get up and running with Gephi. Provides easy to follow examples using sample data to help make the points come to life. I could have used this when I took my first SNA course. Would have saved me a ton of time trying to figure out the basics.
One of the things I appreciate about this reference book is the plain and simple language. Makes the content feel more approachable. Specifically when providing definitions to some of the unique jargon.
I thought chapter 6 covering filters, statistics and rankings was particularly useful. in particular I like the simple explanation of the Statistics and how to interpret the results. I also noted that applying filters impacts the stats results which may not necessarily be intuitive.
My only critique would be from an organizational perspective I think it might be useful to talk about all of the layout options, strategies and goals up front. For example I was left wanting in Chapter 2 but then was given useful information in Chapter 3 about how to determine which layout approach is most relevant for my data and goals. Would love to see this information packaged in a summary table then expanded upon in later chapters using the examples.
One of the things I appreciate about this reference book is the plain and simple language. Makes the content feel more approachable. Specifically when providing definitions to some of the unique jargon.
I thought chapter 6 covering filters, statistics and rankings was particularly useful. in particular I like the simple explanation of the Statistics and how to interpret the results. I also noted that applying filters impacts the stats results which may not necessarily be intuitive.
My only critique would be from an organizational perspective I think it might be useful to talk about all of the layout options, strategies and goals up front. For example I was left wanting in Chapter 2 but then was given useful information in Chapter 3 about how to determine which layout approach is most relevant for my data and goals. Would love to see this information packaged in a summary table then expanded upon in later chapters using the examples.
October 30, 2013
This book is a valuable reference for those who have little to no experience using the Gephi application. Although I personally am not a “newbie” I was able to pick up many useful tips and tricks. I wish I had this guide when I first stumbled upon Gephi as it would have reduced my learning curve considerably.
To date this is the most comprehensive guide I have seen and I highly recommend it for someone looking for a solid introduction. All aspects of this book are very well organized with instructions being both clear and succinct; especially when accompanied with graphic representations. The explanation of how to export to the web was a nice feature for those with little to no programming skills. At the end of the book you will be able to easily apply the basic principles learned and the skills acquired.
http://www.packtpub.com/network-graph...
To date this is the most comprehensive guide I have seen and I highly recommend it for someone looking for a solid introduction. All aspects of this book are very well organized with instructions being both clear and succinct; especially when accompanied with graphic representations. The explanation of how to export to the web was a nice feature for those with little to no programming skills. At the end of the book you will be able to easily apply the basic principles learned and the skills acquired.
http://www.packtpub.com/network-graph...
October 29, 2013
This is a good, clear, and consice intorduction to using Gephi for network visualisation.
Given the nature of Gephi being open source software there is a wealth of online resources which can answer many questions you may have in this area. This book does still serve a purpose in helping you get the most of the tool, and I would recommend keeping hold of a copy, even to jog your memories regarding the more basic of operations. What it doesn't is provide much of way of understanding 'network graph analysis', or Social Network Analysis. Consider it more of a Gephi for Dummies, which is going to prove very useful for a lot of people.
Given the nature of Gephi being open source software there is a wealth of online resources which can answer many questions you may have in this area. This book does still serve a purpose in helping you get the most of the tool, and I would recommend keeping hold of a copy, even to jog your memories regarding the more basic of operations. What it doesn't is provide much of way of understanding 'network graph analysis', or Social Network Analysis. Consider it more of a Gephi for Dummies, which is going to prove very useful for a lot of people.
August 13, 2016
Previously to reading this book, I had relied on blogs to teach myself this tool. It was nice to see a good guide to help beginners learn what can be a cumbersome tool with a steep learning curve. Definitely wish I would have had this in the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews