In many cases I look at a network graph and apply a series of operations to transform it into a more presentable form. For example, I often calculate graph metrics, use Autofill columns to map data to display attributes like size, color, or shape, create clusters, sub-graph images, and then select the Harel-Koren layout and select the options so that small components get lined up in neat rows at the bottom of the graph. I like the edges to be gray and partially transparent. I often set the font size to a large 24 points because I scale the graph to about 10% of its full size to reduce occlusion.
Carrying out each of these operations once is no problem. Repeat 100 times and there is a problem.
The NodeXL team completed another phase of our automation feature, allowing users to build a refined graph with any set of configuration that can be applied to any number of other networks.
Along with the automated collection system, NodeXL can now generate a regular stream of network graphs from social media sources.