Sparse Resource Allocation for Control of Spreading Processes via Convex Optimization

In this letter we propose a method for sparse allocation of resources to control spreading processes – such as epidemics and wildfires – using convex optimization, in particular exponential cone programming. Sparsity of allocation has advantages in situations where resources cannot easily be distributed over a large area. In addition, we introduce a model of risk to optimize the product of the likelihood and the future impact of an outbreak. We demonstrate with a simplified wildfire example that our method can provide more targeted resource allocation compared to previous approaches based on geometric programming.