(Real Map) Dijkstra's Algorithm vs. A* Search

Dijkstra’s Algorithm and A* Search both compute shortest paths on weighted graphs, but they differ in how they explore the search space: Dijkstra is uninformed and expands nodes purely by increasing path cost from the source, guaranteeing optimality but often exploring many unnecessary nodes, whereas A* is informed and prioritizes nodes using  f(n)=g(n)+h(n), where the haversine heuristic estimates the remaining great-circle distance to the goal. 

When the haversine heuristic is admissible and consistent (which it is for geographic distances without overestimation), A* remains optimal like Dijkstra but is typically far more efficient for routing problems on maps, as it focuses exploration toward the destination; however, if the heuristic provides little guidance or the goal is unspecified, A* effectively degrades to Dijkstra in behavior.

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