Unifying the framework of Multi-Layer Network and Visual Analytics

The notion of multi-layer networks introduces a general framework and common vocabulary for existing ideas in complex network theory. In doing so, it is possible to understand and compare these dierent ideas in a new and more fruitful manner. However, to make this operationalizable to the visualization and visual analytics community, we need more clarity. For example: What is a layer? What are the semantics of interlayer edges, and specifically, identity links between layers? Can dierent multilayered networks be expressed or implemented in the same way? And vice versa, can one multilayered network be expressed or implemented in dierent ways?