Spatial Modelling Techniques in Microsoft Excel
This is an incremental analysis of spreadsheet modeling techniques for a specific puzzle-solving context.
The paper examines how spreadsheet grids can be used to present solutions to Sudoku puzzles, exploring methods for solving them and considering whether such models should be categorized separately in end-user modeling literature.
We begin by considering the expectations of the creators of VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet. The emphasis is on the nature of the spreadsheet grid. The grid is taken as a presentational method for showing a solution to a Sudoku puzzle. We consider methods or approaches for the solution. We look at the relationship between this model and academic papers on the methods for describing and categorising end-user models generally. We consider whether the type of model described here should be categorised separately. The complexity of the model is reviewed in the context of commendations to minimise overly sophisticated presentational constructs and formulae.