Introduction

Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue and Dr. Cesar Ducruet of Hofstra University teach a course on transportation analysis and a key component of that course is network (or graph) based analysis. The mathematical introduction that they provide is wonderful. Therefore, please read Graph Theory: Definitions and Principals. The reading is relatively short, and I would suggest following the links that throughout the document to provide additional information. For example, the text describes the difference between a planar and non-planar graph, but the linked supplemental page includes an image that, in my opinion, makes the distinction even clearer.

Next, please see the first section of Network Data Models. Sections 2 - 4 are not required readings.