Scenic Tour

Long version of the problem.

Information about the winner and the solution

The MAPs used for system test and the finals

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Short Problem Description

This was the Spring 1998 POTM ... send email to fah@potm.ffast.att.com and ask for all the details on the NEXT POTM ...

The deadline for entering was 6/26/98.

S C E N I C   T O U R

I will give you a file providing the altitudes for every point within a square grid. Your trip starts at the upper left, goes to the lower right, and then returns. Each move you make will take you to an adjacent grid point. I'll tell you how many moves you may make to accomplish the round trip.

Your task: within the given number of moves, both minimize and maximize the "vertical" distance traveled. Think of it as a map of mountain ranges ... do as little climbing as possible while going, then take the "scenic tour" on your return home.