Labelling problem with minimal line overlap for N cities depicted by points in a Box.
Step 1: Create a test dataset comprising of list of cities each having latitude, longitude, name and description
For example, i am using file from: http://www.downloadexcelfiles.com/wo_en/download-list-latitudelongitude-cities-india#.V07TVfl97IU
Step 2: Draw the cities as points
Step 3: Create a dummy layout function that randomly generates box shapes just outside the map (x, y, width, height)
. Map one box for each box render the name and description of the city.
. Connect the boxes (labels) to the cities via Straight lines
Step 4: Modify the layout to roughly miniize overlap and distance
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Constraints:
. Avoid crossing over of lines
. Avoid overlap among labels
. All labels must have either consistent width or height (width - ones on the left and right; height - ones on the top and bottom)
- Ensure that outer edges are alligned
. Reduce the number of labels if you want
- Do it for first N non overlapping points