On applying viewshed analysis for determining least-cost paths on Digital Elevation Models

Abstract

The concept of computing least-cost paths has been proposed and discussed for a few decades but only in simplified form due to the limited computational resources in the past. With the advancement of computer technology in speed and data storage, it is now possible to implement least-cost path algorithms with realistic conditions. In this paper, we present our implementations of least-cost paths by integrating viewshed information computed from digital elevation models. Our implementations and analyses include four possible types of paths. They are scenic paths, strategic paths, hidden paths, and withdrawn paths. While possible applications of these least-cost paths include planning of civil engineering, military and environmental planning, other extensions can be formulated without much difficulty.