Multi-Objective Trajectory Optimization In Planning For Sequential Activities Across Space And Through Time

Human movement and interaction across space and through time is full of economic and social opportunities. Access to information through location-based technologies offers potential for people to make better decisions about social activity participation needs and travel behavior preferences. Identifying an optimal trajectory (route) connecting desired activity locations for multiple attendees with space-time constraints is a challenging endeavor. This spatial organization task is formulated mathematically as a sequential, multi-objective optimization model. A framework consisting of context knowledge, geographic information systems, and spatial optimization is structured to solve this model, allowing for the integration of geographical and social networking considerations. The proposed approach offers a way to balance the tradeoffs of many participants, enabling explicit consideration of travel cost, personal preference, quality rating, etc. in activity planning and decision making. A case study is detailed involving the organization of multiple activities and multiple individuals. The application results highlight the utility and insight of the proposed model and associated solution approaches.