Hierarchical Multicriteria Shortest Path Search

This paper presents a novel multicriteria shortest path search algorithm called Hierarchical MLS. The distinguishing feature of the algorithm is the multilayered structure of compressed k-Path-Cover graphs it operates on. In addition to providing significant improvements in terms of time and memory consumption, the algorithm is notable for several other features. Due to the preprocessing phase requiring only several seconds, the algorithm can be successfully applied to scenarios with dynamic prices. Moreover, the algorithm does not employ bidirectional search, and can thus work on time-dependent metrics. We test the algorithm on multiple graphs and analyze its performance in terms of time and memory efficiency. The results prove Hierarchical MLS to be faster than its direct alternatives by at least 2 times in terms of query runtime and at least 20 times in terms of preprocessing.