Edgetimestamps

Edgetimestamps refer to time-related metadata attached to the edges of a graph or network, representing when the relationship denoted by the edge is valid or observed. They are a key component of temporal or dynamic graphs, where connections change over time rather than remaining fixed.

In practice, an edge may carry a single timestamp (for example, the time of creation or last observation) or a time interval indicating a period during which the edge exists. Some models use time-expanded representations, duplicating nodes for successive time steps, while others store timestamps alongside edges as attributes. Edges can also have multiple timestamps if the same pair of nodes interacts at multiple distinct times.

Edgetimestamps enable time-aware analysis and queries that are not possible on static graphs. Common operations include determining whether an edge is present at a given time, finding temporal paths that respect chronological order, and computing reachability or shortest paths under time constraints. Temporal graphs often require specialized algorithms that account for time, such as earliest-arrival path computation and dynamic connectivity.

Applications span many domains. In social networks, edgetimestamps capture when interactions occur; in transportation and logistics, they model travel times and connection availability; in IoT and edge computing, they reflect data flows and communication events. Data quality considerations include time granularity, clock synchronization, and missing or noisy timestamps. As networks evolve, edgetimestamps provide a concise way to encode the lifecycle of relationships and activities.