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Map-based algorithm visualization with METAL highway data

  • James D. Teresco
  • , Razieh Fathi
  • , Lukasz Ziarek
  • , Maria Rose Bamundo
  • , Arjol Pengu
  • , Clarice F. Tarbay
  • Sienna College
  • SUNY Buffalo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present the algorithm visualization capabilities of the METAL project. Using METAL's graph data which represents highway systems, a selection of interactive algorithm visualizations are performed. Progress of the algorithm is shown by changing the colors of the graph's vertices and/or edges overlaid on Google Maps and in color-coded tabular form, including contents of important data structures. Advantages include the real-world data set and the variety of data sizes available, enhancing student engagement. While many visualizations and visualization tools exist for graph and related algorithms, most focus on small, synthetic graphs. We describe our algorithm visualization capabilities, which include implementations of sequential search, graph traversals, Dijkstra's algorithm, and convex hulls. These can be executed on graphs ranging in size from a few vertices and edges to hundreds. We also present results of a survey of students who have used METAL's algorithm visualizations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSIGCSE 2018 - Proceedings of the 49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages550-555
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781450351034
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 21 2018
Event49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, SIGCSE 2018 - Baltimore, United States
Duration: Feb 21 2018Feb 24 2018

Publication series

NameSIGCSE 2018 - Proceedings of the 49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education
Volume2018-January

Conference

Conference49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, SIGCSE 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period02/21/1802/24/18

Keywords

  • Algorithm visualization
  • Graph algorithms
  • Pedagogical tools

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