Automatic diagram layout support for the Marama meta-toolset

Abstract

Automatic layout can be a crucial support feature for complex diagramming tools. Adding suitable layout algorithms to diagramming tools is a complex task and meta-tools should incorporate these for reuse. We present MaramaALM, a generalised set of automatic layout mechanisms. This has been incorporated in the Eclipse-based Marama meta-toolset to support automatic layout in Marama diagrams. It provides an easy-to-use mechanism for tool developers to add such layouts to their generated tools. We describe our motivation for MaramaALM, our approach to its implementation and an example case study of using these tool extensions.