Book
Computational Geometry: Algorithms and Applications
by Mark de Berg, Otfried Cheong, Marc van Kreveld, and Mark Overmars
📖 Overview
Computational Geometry: Algorithms and Applications presents the core concepts and techniques for designing and analyzing geometric algorithms. The text covers fundamental computational geometry topics including convex hulls, Voronoi diagrams, triangulations, and geometric search structures.
The authors provide detailed explanations of both theoretical foundations and practical implementations, supported by pseudocode and examples. Each chapter contains exercises ranging from basic understanding checks to more challenging programming problems, making the material accessible to both students and practitioners.
The book emphasizes real-world applications in areas such as computer graphics, robotics, and geographic information systems. Code examples are primarily given in C++, though the algorithmic concepts can be implemented in any programming language.
This text serves as a bridge between abstract geometric theory and practical software development, demonstrating how mathematical concepts translate into efficient computational solutions. The systematic approach to algorithm design and analysis makes it a foundational resource for anyone working at the intersection of geometry and computer science.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently mention this textbook's clear explanations and pseudocode implementations of geometric algorithms. Many note its usefulness as both a classroom text and reference book.
Liked:
- Step-by-step derivations and proofs
- Practical examples and illustrations
- Comprehensive problem sets with solutions
- Balanced mix of theory and implementation details
- Well-organized progression of topics
Disliked:
- Some readers found the C++ code examples outdated
- A few noted minor errors in problem solutions
- Price point considered high by students
- Some found later chapters too condensed
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.14/5 (76 ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (41 ratings)
Notable review quote: "The authors manage to present complex computational geometry concepts in an accessible way without sacrificing mathematical rigor" - Amazon reviewer
One student reviewer noted: "The exercises helped cement understanding, though solutions to some problems were hard to find online."
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🤔 Interesting facts
🔷 Computational geometry as a distinct field emerged in the 1970s, driven by the increasing need for geometric algorithms in computer graphics and computer-aided design.
🔷 The book has been translated into multiple languages, including Chinese, Japanese, and Russian, and is used as a standard textbook in universities worldwide.
🔷 Co-author Mark de Berg helped develop the "Box-Trees" data structure, which is now widely used in computer games and virtual reality applications for collision detection.
🔷 The algorithms discussed in the book are fundamental to modern GPS navigation systems, particularly in route planning and location-based services.
🔷 The first edition was published in 1997, and the book has continuously evolved to include new developments in the field, such as kinetic data structures and geometric approximation algorithms.