The Optimal Path through the Crowd

Abstract

Have you ever arrived late at a concert and not been able to get a good view? Had the crowd already formed and there looked to be no good way to the front? Using collective motion models, we seek the optimal path to arrive at a better spot if you arrive late. We created a simulation of a crowd with two classes of agents (informed and naive) and directed the informed agent along different trajectories. We then analyzed the forces caused by the surrounding crowd to construct an easier path from the directional force information. However, our results show that the developed path is not the optimal method. Through our analysis, we provide the basis for further investigation into the dynamics of crowds and developing better ways to infiltrate a crowd.