On the Geometric Modelling of Visual Languages

We present arguments for the complementary role that intrinsically geometric models of previous termvisualnext term languages can play in many applications, alongside non-geometry based models (such those based on graph grammars, logical predicates or algebraic structures). We characterise which models are intrinsically geometric, and illustrate the concept by providing such a model for higraphs. Further, we examine the relevance of geometric models to the design and implementation of tools which effectively support users in working with previous termvisualnext term languages.