d3.js: suggested node position in force layout

Question

I would like to create a graph where nodes have suggested positions, but I would also like to use the force layout to ensure the nodes themselves don't overlap. Is this possible in d3?

Answer 1

Yes, you can do this by:

• Disabling the default gravity and charge forces.
• Implementing collision detection.
• Implementing "custom" gravity that attracts each node to its suggested position.

Here's a live example:

• http://bl.ocks.org/1804919

Similar techniques were used in Shan Carter's visualization of Obama's 2013 budget proposal, which are further discussed in a tutorial by Jim Vallandingham.