Fundamentals of Scatter Search and Path Relinking
F. Glover, M. Laguna and R. Martí
Control and Cybernetics, vol. 39, no. 3 pp. 653-684 (2000)

Abstract
The evolutionary approach called Scatter Search, and its generalized
form called Path Relinking, have proved unusually effective for solving
a diverse array of optimization problems from both classical and real world
settings. Scatter Search and Path Relinking differ from other evolutionary
procedures, such as genetic algorithms, by providing unifying principles
for joining solutions based on generalized path constructions (in both
Euclidean and neighborhood spaces) and by utilizing strategic designs where
other approaches resort to randomization. Scatter Search and Path
Relinking are also intimately related to the Tabu Search metaheuristic,
and derive additional advantages by making use of adaptive memory and associated
memory-exploiting mechanisms that are capable of being adapted to particular
contexts. We describe the features of Scatter Search and Path Relinking
that set them apart from other evolutionary approaches, and that offer
opportunities for creating increasingly more versatile and effective methods
in the future.

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