On determining the weight of edges in map-representing graphs-applications of heuristic methods in planning escape routes

In the paper we discuss and compare two commonly used methods of finding the shortest paths in networks, namely Dijkstra's and A∗ algorithms. We compare their effectiveness in terms of traversing road network in circumstances that require swift decision making in the event of dynamically changi...

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Main Authors: Marta Borowska-Stefańska, Michał Kowalski, Filip Turoboś, Szymon Wiśniewski
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2022-12-01
Series:Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English ed. Online)
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095756422001039
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author Marta Borowska-Stefańska
Michał Kowalski
Filip Turoboś
Szymon Wiśniewski
author_facet Marta Borowska-Stefańska
Michał Kowalski
Filip Turoboś
Szymon Wiśniewski
author_sort Marta Borowska-Stefańska
collection DOAJ
description In the paper we discuss and compare two commonly used methods of finding the shortest paths in networks, namely Dijkstra's and A∗ algorithms. We compare their effectiveness in terms of traversing road network in circumstances that require swift decision making in the event of dynamically changing road conditions on the basis of studies conducted for evacuation plans. To build a proper model of such a network, a method of appropriate edge-weighting is introduced, based on empirical data collected by other researchers. Then, we use the basics of the theory of quasimetric spaces to introduce a heuristic to such graphs, which is easy to calculate metric. The heuristic we obtain is both admissible and consistent, which allows us to use it efficiently in A∗ search algorithms. The developed application can be used in studies into evacuation from hazardous areas. In this case, optimum calculative efficiency is achievable with a simultaneous reduction of calculation time (when compared to Dijkstra's algorithm). Our application can be applied during the first stage, i.e., prior to the occurrence of a disaster, since this is an appropriate time for preparation by planning, drilling, early warning, and designating the rescue services that are to participate in the following stages.
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spelling doaj.art-81e8ffad0ae64ac7afc06e6daadf27e42023-01-05T08:36:37ZengKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English ed. Online)2095-75642022-12-019610271043On determining the weight of edges in map-representing graphs-applications of heuristic methods in planning escape routesMarta Borowska-Stefańska0Michał Kowalski1Filip Turoboś2Szymon Wiśniewski3Institute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Lodz, Łódź 90–137, Poland; Corresponding author. Tel.: +48 42 6354564.Institute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Lodz, Łódź 90–137, PolandInstitute of Mathematics, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź 90–924, PolandInstitute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Lodz, Łódź 90–137, PolandIn the paper we discuss and compare two commonly used methods of finding the shortest paths in networks, namely Dijkstra's and A∗ algorithms. We compare their effectiveness in terms of traversing road network in circumstances that require swift decision making in the event of dynamically changing road conditions on the basis of studies conducted for evacuation plans. To build a proper model of such a network, a method of appropriate edge-weighting is introduced, based on empirical data collected by other researchers. Then, we use the basics of the theory of quasimetric spaces to introduce a heuristic to such graphs, which is easy to calculate metric. The heuristic we obtain is both admissible and consistent, which allows us to use it efficiently in A∗ search algorithms. The developed application can be used in studies into evacuation from hazardous areas. In this case, optimum calculative efficiency is achievable with a simultaneous reduction of calculation time (when compared to Dijkstra's algorithm). Our application can be applied during the first stage, i.e., prior to the occurrence of a disaster, since this is an appropriate time for preparation by planning, drilling, early warning, and designating the rescue services that are to participate in the following stages.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095756422001039A∗ algorithmDijkstraHeuristic methodsMathematical modellingQuasimetric spacesPlanning escape routes
spellingShingle Marta Borowska-Stefańska
Michał Kowalski
Filip Turoboś
Szymon Wiśniewski
On determining the weight of edges in map-representing graphs-applications of heuristic methods in planning escape routes
Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English ed. Online)
A∗ algorithm
Dijkstra
Heuristic methods
Mathematical modelling
Quasimetric spaces
Planning escape routes
title On determining the weight of edges in map-representing graphs-applications of heuristic methods in planning escape routes
title_full On determining the weight of edges in map-representing graphs-applications of heuristic methods in planning escape routes
title_fullStr On determining the weight of edges in map-representing graphs-applications of heuristic methods in planning escape routes
title_full_unstemmed On determining the weight of edges in map-representing graphs-applications of heuristic methods in planning escape routes
title_short On determining the weight of edges in map-representing graphs-applications of heuristic methods in planning escape routes
title_sort on determining the weight of edges in map representing graphs applications of heuristic methods in planning escape routes
topic A∗ algorithm
Dijkstra
Heuristic methods
Mathematical modelling
Quasimetric spaces
Planning escape routes
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095756422001039
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