Nearest and Relative Neighborhood Networks

Abstract

Abstract This chapter describes several models for retrieving networks useful to investigate the effect of space on the formation of links between archaeological entities. Two approaches are described: (a) measurement of linear distances, and (b) application of the relative neighborhood concept. The latter yields a family of proximity networks known as relative neighborhood graph, Gabriel graph, β-skeleton and limited neighborhood graph. The chapter also offers references on graph-theoretic properties that can be used to characterize the structure of such networks. The final section discusses three promising areas of application in archaeology.