Network Layout Question

[CNPCarl]

I'm making a diagram of a power system, which is basically a network,
although I have made it using my own shapes (basically rectangles and
connectors). My problem is that I have over 1,000 nodes (power substations)
and 1,500 connections, and I'm having a really hard time getting a readable
layout.

I have used the "Lay Out Shapes" tool with several different settings, but I
can get nothing to produce a decent layout. Are there any other features of
Visio that can help with the layout of my diagram? Or are there any special
tricks with using the "Lay Out Shapes" tool?

Any help is appreciated,

Carl

 

[Mark Nelson [MS]]

One thing I have noticed with some diagrams is that the size of the shapes
is much smaller than the standard spacing used for layout. I would go into
the Spacing dialog under Lay Out Shapes and set the values to be
approximately equal to the smallest width or height of your typical shape.

 

[Crack]

consider layering relevant shapes.
If you are not already, create the newtwork diagrams "conectivity view"
across multiple pages. then create a "geographic view" with which you can
drill into selected connectivity view pages.
example:
the geographic view display cities or sites use the goto page function to
drill to the page for the a chosen site.

remember: shape size and text size selection may be influenced by a paper
copy of the diagram.