how to use external "pathfinding" data?

Hi,

We're evaluating flow diagrams in a scenario where we already have an existing dot-based layout engine to integrate. 

The node positions have integrated fine, I simply set the Bounds property of a FlowDiagramNode.

Is there a recommended practice for integrating the edge data? I've tried various approaches without success - such as constructing a FlowDiagramConnection with segment data directly (segment data doesn't seem to survive to our custom path converter), or using a custom Pathfinder to copy in our segment data (seems to be some sort of co-ordinate system transform going on).

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Hello

Here you will want to go with the custom Pathfinder approach. Implement the IPathfinder interface and the CreatePath method to return a list of Point objects based on the data you have. You will need to give the pathfinder to the diagram formatter. This can be done with the DiagramSurface.Formatter.Pathfinder property.

Pathfinders are constantly used whenever the user moves a node. If your pathfinder is not going to be suitable for dynamic path updating, then you may want to try this:
After laying out the nodes, set the Formatter.Pathfinder to be your custom pathfinder.
Call the DiagramSurface.FormatAllConnectionElements method. This will apply your pathfinder to all the edges.
Then change the Formatter.Pathfinder back to one of our standard implementation.
Note that now if a user moves a node, any connection attached to it will now use the standard pathfinder.

Try this out and let me know if it doesn't work for you or if you've already tried all this.

Regards
 - Jason

Hi Jason,

A fresh pair of eyes on the problem this morning has found the errant scaling factor that was slipping into our connection data - the IPathfinder approach is working fine now :)

(users moving nodes about is a bit awkward for the layout engine, but we'll work something out!)

Thanks,

-Matt