Parameterized Planar Maps

The data type PLANAR_MAP is a parameterized version of Planar Maps. The nodes and edges of a Parameterized Planar Map contain additional (user defined) information. Nodes and edges are of type item.

Example of how to use parametrized planar maps

Strengths

• All operations performed on a parameterized planar map are save, that is, the result is still a planar map (in contrast to parameterized graphs representing a planar map).

Disadvantages

• not all operations possible for parameterized graphs are available for parameterized planar maps.

Remark: Originally, only the data type planar_map could represent planar maps, but this is in some situations unsatisfactory. It is, for example, not possible to add an arbitrary edge to a planar map. This is, on the other hand, possible for graphs representing a planar map, although the operation may destroy the face information.

Tips

Use Parameterized Planar Maps if you want to ensure that all operations performed on your planar map result in a planar map. Otherwise use parameterized graphs to represent planar maps.

Remark: Our experience shows that we rarely use the data type planar_map ourselves.

See also:

Graphs

Planar Maps

How to Associate Information with graphs

Graphs and Related Data Types

Graph Algorithms

GraphWin for visualizing graphs and graph algorithms

Manual Entries:

LEDA Item Concept

User Defined Parameter Types