Dynamic visualization of transit information using genetic algorithms for path schematization

Abstract

In this paper, we present a genetic algorithm for path octilinear simpli-fication. The octilinear layout, recognized worldwide in metro maps, has the special property that edge orientations are restricted to eight angles. The proposed search technique combines possible solutions to find a solution with a desired balance between faithfulness to the original shape and reduction of bends along the path. We also aim the genetic algorithm to real-time response for dynamic web visual-izations so we can experiment on how algorithms for the visualization of schematic maps can be availed in a context of mobile web devices in order to empower efficiency in transmitting transit and navigation information. A prototype of a web application and real transit data of the city of Castellón in Spain were used to test the methodology. The results have shown that real-time schematizations open possibilities concerning usability that add extra value to schematic transit maps. Additionally, performance tests show that the proposed genetic algorithms, if combined with topological data and scale variation transformation, are adequate to sketch bus transit maps automatically in terms of efficiency.