# CitNetExplorer: A new software tool for analyzing and visualizing citation networks

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1404.5322 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1404.5322/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 21 Apr 2014.

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Robust Knowledge Adaptation for Dynamic Graph Neural Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2207.10839/) (2022)
- [SemCSE-Multi: Multifaceted and Decodable Embeddings for Aspect-Specific and Interpretable Scientific Domain Mapping](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.11599/) (2025)
- [pyBibX -- A Python Library for Bibliometric and Scientometric Analysis Powered with Artificial Intelligence Tools](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.14516/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We present CitNetExplorer, a new software tool for analyzing and visualizing citation networks of scientific publications. CitNetExplorer can for instance be used to study the development of a research field, to delineate the literature on a research topic, and to support literature reviewing. We first introduce the main concepts that need to be understood when working with CitNetExplorer. We then demonstrate CitNetExplorer by using the tool to analyze the scientometric literature and the literature on community detection in networks. Finally, we discuss some technical details on the construction, visualization, and analysis of citation networks in CitNetExplorer.