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Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node

by vkter·Workflow

Images © vkter. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

A niche addition to the Superhive library, this node extends Sverchok's Script Node Lite with shortest-path logic and includes documentation and a demo video.

What is Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node?

The Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node runs as a script for Script Node Lite within Sverchok. It locates a shortest path between two points across a multi-point structure and can select the shortest continuous surface, line, and point. One stated application is finding the best route in a maze.

The node takes verts, edges, and faces as model element data, along with start and goal indices for the face or point, face center midpoint data, and an index of obstacle faces or points. An algorithm_weights input tunes behaviour: values close to 1 run faster but may not return the shortest path, while lowering the value increases accuracy, and a value of 0.5 guarantees the shortest path. Parameters set the adjacency mode — face(point) considers diagonal faces, while face(edge) does not — and an edge parameter chooses the shortest path side.

Depending on the selected mode, the node outputs either the index of the shortest path face or the index of the shortest path vertex. The developer notes this is not the final version, with planned improvements including exposing more algorithm parameters and refactoring key code for performance.

Who is Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node best for?

Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node is best for sverchok users working with multi-point structures who need to compute a shortest path across surfaces, lines, or points, such as routing through a maze.

How much does Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node cost?

Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Finds the shortest path between two points in a multi-point structure
  • Selects the shortest continuous surface, line, and point
  • algorithm_weights input trades speed for accuracy, with 0.5 guaranteeing the shortest path
  • face(point) and face(edge) adjacency modes control whether diagonal faces are considered
  • Supports obstacle faces or points via a block index input
  • Outputs the index of the shortest path face or vertex depending on mode
  • Merged into one file so the node can be used on different platforms

Tags

#Sverchok#Shortest Path#Node#Script Node Lite#Blender#Procedural#Pathfinding

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does the Sverchok Shortest Path Node support?

The Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node lists compatibility with Blender 2.92 and 2.93. It runs as a script for Script Node Lite inside Sverchok, so you need Sverchok installed to use it. Version 1 updated the loading mode to use the load function on the Sverchok side panel to load the corresponding .json file, and merged multiple modules into one file so the node can be used on different platforms. For current version support, check the developer's page.

How does the algorithm_weights input affect results in the Shortest Path Node?

The Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node uses an algorithm_weights input to balance speed against accuracy. Values close to 1 make the algorithm faster but may not always return the shortest path. Reducing the value appropriately increases accuracy, and when the value is set to 0.5 you are guaranteed to get a shortest path. This lets you tune the node depending on whether you prioritise speed or a definitively shortest result for a given structure.

What is the difference between the face(point) and face(edge) modes?

In the Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node, the face(point) mode confirms the adjacency of neighbouring faces and considers diagonal faces. The face(edge) mode does not consider diagonal faces. There is also an edge parameter you can enable to choose the shortest path side. Depending on the mode selected, the node outputs either the index of the shortest path face or the index of the shortest path vertex, so the mode determines both adjacency behaviour and output type.

Is the Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node free?

The Blender Sverchok Shortest Path Node is listed here as free, and it is distributed under a Creative Commons license. For the most up-to-date licensing terms and any conditions on use, refer to the developer's page. Note that the developer has stated this is not the final version and has outlined planned improvements, including exposing more algorithm parameters, optimising the code, and refactoring key code for greater performance.

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