Spatial networks

Edges can also represent distance (or closeness), especially when nodes represent locations in space. When using edge weights to represent distance, the distance of an entire trip can be calculated by adding together all of the edge weights along a path. Using edge weights to represent distance can sometimes be confusing because a larger number means a weaker connection, and non-existent edges are actually edges with an infinite weight. Sometimes, it can be more intuitive to use a measure of closeness, such as the reciprocal of the distance, although that can complicate working with paths across many edges.

The previous examples cover many of the common applications of networks, but they are by no means exhaustive. Whenever a group of things can have any type of relationship or connection with each other, it is possible to capture the structure of those connections using a network.