Traditionally, network analysis, path finding and route planning have been the domain of graph theory and vector GIS, which is where most algorithms find their application. Contrary to such common wisdom, the research of this thesis for the Msc in GIS explores the topic of network analysis in raster GIS, using MFworks as example software.
This research essay and literature review investigates some of the gateways to path finding in static and dynamic networks that are listed in present research literature. A selected set of different approaches are highlighted and set in a broader context, illustrating the various aspects of path finding in static and dynamic networks.
Tomlin is a must to any academic student of GIS, since much or nearly all work on raster GIS springs off from Tomlin’s work….well not really, but Geographic Information Systems and Cartographic Modeling by Tomlin sparked the scientific interest in it.
This tutorial is taken from my coursework for the MSc in GIS at the University of Leicester, 1999-2000, and is hopefully of use to other students.
