Constant Approximation Algorithms for Embedding Graph Metrics into Trees and Outerplanar Graphs

In this paper, we present a simple factor 6 algorithm for approximating the optimal multiplicative distortion of embedding a graph metric into a tree metric (thus improving and simplifying the factor 100 and 27 algorithms of Bǎdoiu, Indyk, and Sidiropoulos (2007) and Bǎdoiu, Demaine, Hajiaghayi, Sidiropoulos, and Zadimoghaddam (2008)). We also present a constant factor algorithm for approximating the optimal distortion of embedding a graph metric into an outerplanar metric. For this, we introduce a general notion of metric relaxed minor and show that if G contains an α-metric relaxed H-minor, then the distortion of any embedding of G into any metric induced by a H-minor free graph is ≥ α. Then, for H = K2,3, we present an algorithm which either finds an α-relaxed minor, or produces an O(α)-embedding into an outerplanar metric.