Quantitative Graph Theory: A new branch of graph theory and network science

In this paper, we describe some highlights of the new branch QUANTITATIVE GRAPH THEORY and explain its significant different features compared to classical graph theory. The main goal of quantitative graph theory is the structural quantification of information contained in complex networks by employing a measurement approach based on numerical invariants and comparisons. Furthermore, the methods as well as the networks do not need to be deterministic but can be statistic. As such this complements the field of classical graph theory, which is descriptive and deterministic in nature. We provide examples of how quantitative graph theory can be used for novel applications in the context of the overarching concept network science. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.