The Use of Networks in Physical, Virtual, and Mental Domains

The rapidly growing use of networks in various areas of human activity strongly encouraged this book preparation. This chapter reviews, analyzes and classifies many existing publications on the use of networks in very different areas, like transport networks, communication networks, social networks, battle and military networks, economic networks, distribution networks, virtual networks, neural networks, psychological networks, and criminal networks. It summarizes existing publications on network analysis and network management too. Then briefs the developed Spatial Grasp Model and Technology (SGT) as a potential global paradigm capable to support, integrate, and manage the reviewed and other heterogeneous networking systems, which is investigated in detail in the subsequent chapters.