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Line Sweep Algorithm

The Line Sweep Algorithm is a computational geometry technique that processes events by simulating a line moving across a 2D plane to solve problems like intersections of line segments. It involves identifying and sorting events, maintaining an active set of objects, and checking for overlaps or intersections. This algorithm is efficient, with a time complexity of O(n log n) for sorting and O((n + k) log n) for managing the active set, and has various applications in geometry-related problems.

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8 views

Line Sweep Algorithm

The Line Sweep Algorithm is a computational geometry technique that processes events by simulating a line moving across a 2D plane to solve problems like intersections of line segments. It involves identifying and sorting events, maintaining an active set of objects, and checking for overlaps or intersections. This algorithm is efficient, with a time complexity of O(n log n) for sorting and O((n + k) log n) for managing the active set, and has various applications in geometry-related problems.

Uploaded by

gimen95655
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Line Sweep Algorithm

Overview
The Line Sweep Algorithm is a technique used in computational geometry to solve
problems involving objects like points, lines, and shapes on a 2D plane.
The main idea is to simulate moving a straight line (horizontal or vertical) across the plane
and process events as they occur.

Steps
1. Identify Events:
Break the problem into a series of events (e.g., start/end of line segments,
intersections).
2. Sort Events:
Sort the events by their position (e.g., xx-coordinate for a vertical sweep).
3. Use an Active Set:
Maintain a dynamic list of objects that are currently being "swept" by the line.
4. Process Events:
At each event, update the active set and perform calculations (e.g., check for
overlaps or intersections).

Example Problem: Line Segment Intersections


Problem: Find all intersections between n line segments.

1. Events:
For each segment, create two events:
A "start" event at the left endpoint.
An "end" event at the right endpoint.
2. Sort Events:
Sort by x-coordinate.
3. Active Set:
Use a balanced data structure (e.g., a tree) to store segments currently
intersecting the sweep line.
4. Check Intersections:
When adding/removing a segment, check for intersections with its neighbors.

Time Complexity:

Sorting events: O(nlogn).


Managing the active set: O((n + k)logn), where k is the number of intersections.

Applications
Finding intersections (lines, rectangles).
Counting overlapping intervals.
Closest pair of points.
Constructing Voronoi diagrams.

Advantages
Efficient for many geometry problems.
Reduces 2D problems to simpler 1D problems.

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