What is the process of determining the route of least impedance between two points called?

The process of determining the route of least impedance between two points is known as shortest path analysis. This technique is commonly used in various fields, including geography, computer science, and network engineering, to identify the optimal path that minimizes a specific cost, distance, or other forms of impedance.

In shortest path analysis, the algorithm evaluates various potential routes by calculating the total impedance associated with each route, which can include factors like distance, time, or even electrical resistance in network applications. The algorithm systematically explores the interconnected network of points (nodes) and pathways (edges) to find the most efficient connection between the two given points.

Though the other options may seem relevant, they pertain to broader or different contexts. For instance, pathfinding is a general term that can refer to various strategies for finding routes but doesn't specifically highlight the minimizing aspect of impedance. Utility analysis relates more to evaluating the relative benefits or costs of diverse alternatives rather than pinpointing a direct route. Meanwhile, network analysis encompasses a range of studies concerning the properties and behaviors of networks without the specific focus on finding the least impeded path. Thus, shortest path analysis is the most accurate term for this specific process.