System and method for creating a customizable network diagram

The present invention relates to computer systems for generating charts and graphs. More particularly, the present invention relates to computer systems that create network diagrams that can track project planning and scheduling. A network diagram layout engine can automatically determine the layout of nodes of information within a chart on a display screen while permitting manual adjustment of other nodes. The network diagram layout engine can also filter the types of nodes that will be displayed. The network diagram layout engine can support various automatic layout schemes or spatial arrangements of the nodes that can be modified or adjusted manually by the user. The network diagram layout engine can create a network diagram that highlights the interrelationships between respective nodes by substantially reducing intersections of links between nodes. That is, the network diagram layout engine can create a network diagram that includes a plurality of nodes that are linked together to form one or more node chains. The one or more node chains can provide a balanced and logical presentation of the interrelationships between the nodes where links between nodes flow in a substantially smooth manner between respective links.