GrTP: Transformation Based Graphical Tool Building Platform.

Abstract

In this paper we introduce a novel wide-profile graphical tool-building platform GrTP which is based on the principle of separating semantic domain model processing and user interface components. This principle is enabled in GrTP by a meta-model for visual information presentation (“interface meta-model”). A novel feature of GrTP is that it consistently bases all work of connecting the domain and interface models on model transformations. These transformations can be produced for different domain models, thus obtaining concrete tools tailored to specific domains within GrTP. The visualization component of GrTP is based on an original high-performance graphical diagram presentation engine which embodies advanced graph drawing algorithms. The paper explains the GrTP platform along with the first practical experience of its usage.