Evaluating Scalable Vector Graphics for Software Visualisation

Software visualisation employs various representations of software to help programmersbetter understand program code. However, there are many technologiesthat can be used to deliver software visualisations. These different software visualisationmedia have varying capabilities, and determining which medium isbest suited for a particular software visualisation application can be a complextask. To this end, this thesis presents a principled model for evaluating softwarevisualisation media. This model is then applied in the evaluation of the new“Scalable Vector Graphics” (SVG) standard, to determine if it is suited for use ina developing web-based software visualisation architecture. While the evaluationfinds that SVG can realise a broad range of software visualisations, it is clear thatit falls short in making the development of software visualisations as easy as itcould. This thesis presents a way forward for creating complex software visualisationswith SVG through the development of a domain-specific SVG library. Thefoundation for this library is illustrated and discussed.