A knowledge-based approach to the shortest path problem in a digitized map

The shortest problem is considered in the context of a navigating ship or vehicle. The method presented is divided into a knowledge-based plan generator and a conventional program which acts upon cues present within the resulting plan. The initial phase of processing is performed by the knowledge-based system, which contains the necessary heuristics for directing the vehicle and keeping track of the local and global contexts through which it has to pass. The knowledge-based part of the system also creates control information for the algorithmic portion, i.e. the portion performing the computations necessary for constructing the final path. The knowledge structure is an extension of symbolic projections. The technique demonstrates significant efficiency while providing a number of advantages over other techniques.<>