I think this map might have been made to look clear ,because the distances doesen't really matter ,they positioned the systems in layout that allows easy orientation ,for example Shivan systems are all in one corner ,just because you may want to find a Shivan system and with this layout you don't need to worry about looking over entire sheet and checking each red globe ,but you only need to check one corner ,which is much faster.
Also ,you can display this corner on tactical screen in briefing room ,so all pilots would be able to read the system names and clearly see briefing icons,unlike the situation in which you have to show entire map ,and Shivan movement from one of their systems to another ,ending up with icons that are so small ,so pilots cannot see difference between convoy and battle fleet.
Not to mention the connections on relistically layouted map would look like spider's web ,being difficult to tell which one is which.
On a side note ,has anyone ever made a nodemap with all non-canon systems
(at least from most popular campaigns).