Abstract: Plotting a graph using a markup language comprises receiving a request to generate a display of a graph of nodes connected by links and focused on a first entity; retrieving first graph information describing the first focus entity and first nodes and links to the first entity; creating a first markup language document with the first graph information, which when rendered in a display causes plotting the first entity and first nodes and links; receiving a request to change the display to focus on a second entity; retrieving second graph information describing only second nodes and links to the second entity; creating a second markup language document that contains only the second graph information and which when rendered causes plotting both the first focus entity and the second focus entity without repeated rendering of the first markup language document.

Abstract: A method for plotting a graph using a markup language is provided. Upon retrieval of graphic information from a data source and according to a request, the graphic information is received by a graphic application as a markup language document. The markup language document follows a document type definition, which defines elements and associated attributes and which, in conjunction with the graphic information, facilitates incrementally plotting a graph. The plotting is performed such that a request for a second graphic display initiated through interaction with a first graphic display does not require retrieving again the graphic information associated with the first graphic display. Furthermore, the second graphic display is plotted without requiring plotting again the first graphic display, thus conserving processing resources.