title: Outputting a data driven generated graphic which can be modified by the user
body: <p>I'm trying to develop a system whereby clients can input a series of plant related data which can then be queried against a database to find a suitable list of plants.</p>
  
  <p>These plants then need to be displayed in a graphic output, putting tall plants at the back and small plants at the front of a flower bed. The algorithm to do this I have set in my mind already, but my question to you is what would be the best software to use that:</p>
  
  <p>1) Allows a user to enter in data</p>
  
  <p>2) Queries a database to return suitable results</p>
  
  <p>3) Outputs the data into a systemised graphic (simple rectangle with dots representing plants)</p>
  
  <p>and the final step is an "if possible" and something I've not yet completely considered:</p>
  
  <p>4) Allow users to move these dots using their mouse to reposition if wanted</p>
  
  <p>--</p>
  
  <p>I know PHP can produce graphic outputs, and I assume you could probably mix this in with a bit of jQuery which would allow the user to move the dots. Would this work well or could other software (such as Java or <em>_</em>_) produce a better result?</p>
  
  <p>Thanks and apologies if this is in the wrong section of Stack!</p>