Advanced visualization and interaction in GLSP-based web modeling: realizing semantic zoom and off-screen elements

Abstract

Conceptual modeling is widely adopted in industrial practices, e.g., process, software, and systems modeling. Providing adequate and usable modeling tools is essential for the efficient adoption of modeling. Metamodeling platforms provide a rich set of functionalities and maturely realize state-of-the-art modeling tools. However, despite their maturity and stability, most of these platforms only slowly - if at all - leverage the full extent of functionalities and the ease of exploitation and integration enabled by web technologies. With the Graphical Language Server Protocol (GLSP), it is now possible to realize much richer, advanced opportunities for visualizing and interacting with conceptual models. This paper presents a concept and a prototypical implementation of two advanced model visualization and interaction functionalities with the Eclipse GLSP platform: Semantic Zoom and Off-Screen Elements. We believe such advanced functionalities pave the way for a prosperous modeling future and spark innovation in modeling tool development.