On Challenges for a Graphical Transformation Notation and the UMLX Approach

Freely available experimental transformation languages have begun to stimulate practical usage of textual transformation notations. The forthcoming QVT transformation languages may provide standardisation or at least interchange capabilities for these experimental languages. Graphical transformation notations are proving rather less successful. We identify many disadvantages of the graphical approach, consider how they can be circumvented and describe changes in the UMLX notation and tool support to improve usability and QVT compatibility.