Correlation dimension of complex networks

Phys Rev Lett. 2013 Apr 19;110(16):168703. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.168703. Epub 2013 Apr 19.

Abstract

We propose a new measure to characterize the dimension of complex networks based on the ergodic theory of dynamical systems. This measure is derived from the correlation sum of a trajectory generated by a random walker navigating the network, and extends the classical Grassberger-Procaccia algorithm to the context of complex networks. The method is validated with reliable results for both synthetic networks and real-world networks such as the world air-transportation network or urban networks, and provides a computationally fast way for estimating the dimensionality of networks which only relies on the local information provided by the walkers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Community Networks*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Urban Renewal