Separator-Based Sparsification II: Edge and Vertex Connectivity

We consider the problem of maintaining a dynamic planar graph subject to edge insertions and edge deletions that preserve planarity but that can change the embedding. We describe algorithms and data structures for maintaining information about 2and 3-vertex-connectivity, and 3and 4-edge-connectivity in a planar graph in O(n1/2) amortized time per insertion, deletion, or connectivity query. All of the data structures handle insertions that keep the graph planar without regard to any particular embedding of the graph. Our algorithms are based on a new type of sparsification combined with several properties of separators in planar graphs.