The 5 Most Powerful Pathfinding Algorithms

Contents hide
1 What are Pathfinding Algorithms?
2 Top 5 Pathfinding Algorithms
2.1 Cycle detection
2.1.1 How does it work?
2.2 Dijkstra’s algorithm
2.2.1 How does it work?
2.3 A* algorithm
2.3.1 How does it work?
2.4 Maximum Flow algorithm
2.4.1 How does it work?
2.5 Minimum Spanning Trees algorithm
2.5.1 How does it work?
3 Conclusions
3.1 Read Related Articles

Pathfinding algorithms are a crucial component in a wide range of applications, from

video games to robotics and logistics. They enable machines to navigate efficiently
through complex environments by finding the shortest or most efficient path between two
points.

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What are Pathfinding Algorithms?

The goal of a pathfinding algorithm is to explore a graph to find the optimal path from a
starting point to a destination point, while considering obstacles, barriers, and other
constraints (see Figure 3 as an example)

Over the years, numerous pathfinding algorithms have been developed, each with its own
advantages and limitations. Some of the most well-known algorithms include Dijkstra’s
algorithm, A* algorithm, the breadth-first search algorithm and the depth-first search
algorithm; these last two have been previously discussed in our graph traversal
algorithms article. Check out the following links for more on the broader graph data
sceince or graph algorithms topics. The various algorithms mentioned above differ in
their approach to exploring the graph and their use of heuristic information to guide the
search.

In this article, we provide an overview of the most common pathfinding algorithms, their
strengths and weaknesses, and their use cases. We explore how these algorithms work
and provide examples of their application in real-world scenarios. By the end of this
article, readers will have a better understanding of how pathfinding algorithms work, and
which algorithm might be the best fit for a particular use case.

Top 5 Pathfinding Algorithms

Cycle detection

The Cycle Detection problem seeks to find all the cycles (loops) in a graph, that is, they
must be paths that start and end at the same vertex but otherwise never visit any vertex
twice.

Cycle detection is used to determine whether a loop exists in a set of connected elements
or nodes. In the case of a graph network, a loop exists when a node is connected to itself,
or when a set of nodes create a closed loop.

Overall, cycle detection algorithms are used to prevent infinite loops and ensure that a
program or graph operates as expected. By detecting cycles, they enable efficient and
safe navigation through a set of connected elements or nodes.

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How does it work?

One way to detect cycles is to use the “depth-first search” algorithm.

Fi
g. 1: Cycle Detection Algorithm. Example taken from this source.

This algorithm works by exploring all possible paths from a starting node until it reaches
a dead-end or a previously visited node. During this exploration, the algorithm marks
each visited node as “visited”. If the algorithm encounters a node that has already been
visited and is not the immediate parent node, this indicates the presence of a cycle. Figure
1 graphically explains how the algorithm work.

Dijkstra’s algorithm

Dijkstra’s algorithm is used to find the shortest path between two points in a graph by
evaluating each node in the graph and calculating the distance from the starting node to
each node in the graph.

We start by evaluating the starting node and assigning it a distance of 0. We evaluate

each of the neighboring nodes and calculate the distance to each node. The algorithm
selects the node with the smallest distance and adds it to the list of visited nodes.

Afterwards we evaluate the neighboring nodes of the newly added node and calculate the
distances. The algorithm adds the node with the smallest distance to the list of visited
nodes and continues this process until it reaches the destination node. As the algorithm
evaluates each node, it keeps track of the distances and the path taken to reach each node.

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If a node is revisited with a shorter distance, the algorithm updates the distance and path
to reflect the better route.

Dijkstra’s algorithm is widely used in navigation systems, logistics, and transportation

planning: by efficiently evaluating each node and keeping track of the path taken, it helps
find the optimal route between two points in a graph.
How does it work?

F
ig. 2: Dijkstra’s Algorithm, displaying the shortest path between nodes A and G.

The algorithm starts by evaluating the starting node and assigning it a distance of 0. It
then evaluates each of the neighboring nodes and calculates the distance to each node.
The algorithm selects the node with the smallest distance and adds it to the list of visited
nodes. It evaluates the neighboring nodes of the newly added node and calculates their
distances.

It adds the node with the smallest distance to the list of visited nodes and continues this
process until it reaches the destination node. As the algorithm evaluates each node, it
keeps track of the distances and the path taken to reach each node. If a node is revisited
with a shorter distance, the algorithm updates the distance and path to reflect the better
route. In the Figure 2, the shortest distance from node A to node G is the path A-B-D-E-
G.

A* algorithm

A* algorithm (pronounced “A-star”) is a graph traversal and path search algorithm that
uses heuristics to estimate the most efficient path.

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The A* algorithm is a powerful tool for finding the shortest path between two points in a
graph by exploring the graph. It uses a heuristic function to guide the search towards the
destination. The heuristic function estimates the distance between the current node and
the destination node and it is what makes the A* algorithm different from other
pathfinding algorithms. This helps guide the algorithm towards the destination more
efficiently, as it prioritizes nodes that are closer to the destination.

The A* algorithm is widely used in robotics, video games, and other applications where
efficient navigation is required.
How does it work?

F
ig. 3: A* algorithm displaying the optimal path from the starting point to the destination
point

The algorithm starts by evaluating the starting point and calculating its “score”. This
score includes the distance from the starting point to the current node, as well as an
estimate of the remaining distance to the destination using a heuristic function.

Next, the algorithm explores the neighboring nodes of the current node and calculates
their scores. It then selects the node with the lowest score and adds it to the list of visited
nodes. The algorithm continues this process, evaluating nodes and adding them to the
visited list, until it reaches the destination node.

Along the way, the algorithm keeps track of the path taken and the scores of the visited
nodes. If a node is revisited with a lower score, the algorithm updates the node’s score
and path to reflect the better route. Figure 3 visually shows how the A* algorithm finds
the optimal path from the starting point to the destination.

Maximum Flow algorithm

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The Maximum Flow algorithm is used to find the maximum amount of “flow” that can
pass through a graph network of connected nodes or vertices.

The Maximum Flow algorithm can be useful in a variety of applications, such as

optimizing transportation networks, traffic flow, or water management systems, finding
the maximum amount of liquid that can pass through the pipes. By finding the maximum
flow through a network, it can help identify areas where congestion or blockages are
occurring and help optimize the flow to improve efficiency.
How does it work?

Fi
g. 4: Maximum Flow Algorithm, displaying the maximum amount of flow between nodes
A and G.

We assign capacities to the relationships between the nodes, which represent the
maximum amount of flow that can pass through each relationship. The algorithm then
attempts to find the path with the highest flow from a source node to a sink node.

To do this, we start by assigning an initial flow of zero to all the edges. We then find a
path from the source node to the sink node, where the flow on each relationship is less
than the capacity of that relationship. The algorithm increases the flow on each
relationship along the path by the maximum amount possible, based on the capacities of
the edges.

We continue finding paths and increase the flow until we can no longer find any paths
from the source node to the sink node. At this point, we have found the maximum flow
through the network. Figure 4 visually shows step by step how the algorithm work with
an example, aiming at finding the maximum amount of flow between nodes A and G.

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Minimum Spanning Trees algorithm

The Minimum Spanning Tree algorithm is used in weighed networks to find the shortest,
most efficient way to connect all the nodes in a graph: it finds the minimum set of edges
that connects all the nodes, without creating any loops or cycles.

The Minimum Spanning Tree algorithm can be used to optimize communication

networks or designing transportation routes, as it identifies the most efficient way to
connect different parts of a network or system.
How does it work?

Fig
. 5: Minimum Spanning Tree algorithm displaying the minimum relationships connecting
all nodes. Example taken from this source.

We start by selecting any node in the graph and adding it to a decision tree. We then find
the relationship with the smallest weight that connects the tree to a new node and adds
that node and its connecting relationship to the tree. The algorithm continues this process,
adding nodes and edges to the tree until all the nodes in the graph are connected.

As the algorithm adds relationship to the tree, it keeps track of the total weight of the tree.
The goal is to find the minimum weight tree that connects all the nodes. Figure 5 shows
in a graph example the minimum relationships connecting all nodes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, pathfinding algorithms are powerful tools for finding optimal paths in a
graph network. Whether it is finding the shortest path between two points or navigating
through a complex maze, these algorithms provide efficient and effective solutions.

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The algorithms mentioned above have numerous applications in fields such as
transportation, robotics, and logistics (e.g. A*, Dijkstra’s algorithms), providing a way to
optimize the flow of traffic (e.g. Maximum Flow algorithm), identify the most efficient
way to connect nodes in a graph (e.g. Minimum Spanning Tree algorithm). Overall,
pathfinding algorithms offer numerous benefits and are widely used in a variety of fields.

As technology continues to advance, these algorithms will continue to play an

increasingly important role in optimizing navigation, transportation, and resource
allocation.

Read Related Articles

 What is Graph Data Science?

 What is Neo4j Graph Data Science?
 What are Graph Algorithms?
 Graph Traversal Algorithms (a.k.a Pathfinding algorithms)
 Closeness Centrality
 Degree Centrality
 Betweenness Centrality
 PageRank
 Conductance Graph Community Detection: Python Examples
 Graph Embeddings (for more on graph embedding algorithms)

Also read this related article on graph analytics for more on analytics within the graph
database context.

Graphable helps you make sense of your data by delivering expert data analytics
consulting, data engineering, custom dev and applied data science services.
We are known for operating ethically, communicating well, and delivering on-time. With
hundreds of successful projects across most industries, we have deep expertise in
Financial Services, Life Sciences, Security/Intelligence, Transportation/Logistics,
HighTech, and many others.
Thriving in the most challenging data integration and data science contexts, Graphable
drives your analytics, data engineering, custom dev and applied data science
success. Contact us to learn more about how we can help, or book a demo today.

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Additional discovery:

 Hume consulting / Hume (GraphAware) Platform

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Graphable helps you make sense of your data by delivering expert analytics, data
engineering, custom dev and applied data science services.

We are known for operating ethically, communicating well, and delivering on-time. With
hundreds of successful projects across most industries, we have deep expertise in
Financial Services, Life Sciences, Security/Intelligence, Transportation/Logistics,
HighTech, and many others.

Thriving in the most challenging data integration and data science contexts, Graphable
drives your analytics, data engineering, custom dev and applied data science
success. Contact us to learn more about how we can help, or book a demo today.

What is the Pathfinder Model?

1. Person or firm who created the framework

The Pathfinder Model was developed by organizational change experts including Marvin
Weisbord.

2. Description of the framework

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The Pathfinder Model is a diagnostic and intervention framework designed to guide
organizations through complex change processes. It focuses on helping organizations
navigate their way through change by identifying key factors and leveraging strengths.
The key elements of the Pathfinder Model include:

1. Current State Assessment: Understanding the organization’s current state,

including its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT).
2. Desired Future State: Defining the vision and goals for the future state of the
organization.
3. Pathfinding: Identifying pathways and strategies to move from the current state
to the desired future state.
4. Intervention Design: Developing targeted interventions to address specific issues
and leverage opportunities.
5. Implementation and Monitoring: Executing the interventions and monitoring
progress to ensure successful change.

3. The framework's "secret sauce"

The distinctive feature of the Pathfinder Model is its holistic and strengths-based
approach. It not only focuses on diagnosing problems but also emphasizes leveraging
organizational strengths and opportunities to achieve the desired change.

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4. Situations for which the framework is particularly well suited

 Strategic planning and execution

 Organizational change and transformation initiatives
 Performance improvement programs
 Cultural change and development
 Any context requiring a comprehensive and strengths-based approach to change

5. Practical instructions for using this framework

Step 1: Current State Assessment

1. Conduct a SWOT Analysis:

o Use tools such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data on
the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
o Analyze the data to create a comprehensive picture of the current state.
2. Map the Current State:
o Create visual representations of the current state, including organizational
structure, processes, and culture.
o Identify key issues and areas for improvement.

Step 2: Desired Future State

1. Define Vision and Goals:

o Develop a clear and compelling vision for the future state of the
organization.
o Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART)
goals to guide the change process.
2. Engage Stakeholders:
o Involve key stakeholders in defining the vision and goals.
o Ensure their commitment and support for the desired future state.

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Step 3: Pathfinding

1. Identify Pathways:
o Identify multiple pathways and strategies to move from the current state to
the desired future state.
o Consider different scenarios and potential obstacles.
2. Evaluate Pathways:
o Evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of each pathway.
o Select the most promising pathways based on the organization’s resources
and capabilities.

Step 4: Intervention Design

1. Develop Targeted Interventions:

o Design specific interventions to address key issues and leverage
opportunities identified in the SWOT analysis.
o Ensure that the interventions are aligned with the vision and goals.
2. Create Action Plans:
o Develop detailed action plans for each intervention, including timelines,
responsibilities, and resources.
o Ensure that the plans are specific, actionable, and time-bound.

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Step 5: Implementation and Monitoring

1. Execute Interventions:
o Implement the interventions according to the action plans.
o Provide the necessary resources and support to ensure successful
execution.
2. Monitor Progress:
o Continuously monitor progress towards the goals and vision.
o Use performance metrics and feedback to track progress and identify areas
for adjustment.
3. Adjust and Improve:
o Use the insights gained from monitoring to make necessary adjustments to
the interventions and action plans.
o Foster a culture of continuous improvement to sustain progress and
achieve the desired future state.

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o

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6. Further Reading

 “Productive Workplaces: Dignity, Meaning, and Community in the 21st Century”

by Marvin R. Weisbord

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