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In data science we have "Manhattan Distance" as a slang term for Level 1 Distance and "Euclidean Distance" as a slang term for Level 2 Distance. Is there an accepted term for linear distance in memory of cells in different rows in a matrix? That is, given an 8x8 matrix, the "linear distance" from [3,2] to [4,5] is: (4-3) * 8 + (5-2)

This is the distance in memory addressing. "Level 0 Distance" doesn't really work as a technical term, because computer memory layout is not a native concept in mathematics. Is there a standard term for this? It reminds me of the old flyback transformers in cathode ray tubes, so "flyback distance" makes sense as a slang term.

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    $\begingroup$ This doesn't strike me as common enough to have a standard name, though I've also never heard "Level i Distance" before, so maybe I'm just coming from the wrong field. I'd suggest also "reading distance" as being evocative of the meaning. $\endgroup$
    – Ben Reiniger ♦
    Jan 29, 2020 at 0:07

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Actually this is the Manhattan / $L_1$ / Norm 1 distance, if you just multiply the row by $8$ (or $N$).

The $L_1$ distance between $[24, 2]$ and $[32, 5]$ is what you are looking for.

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  • $\begingroup$ Right, it's the L1 distance of the matrix linearized. But that linearization is not a mathematical concept, it is just an implementation detail. I'm searching for some reason to not just fabricate my own word, "flyback", for this distance. $\endgroup$
    – Jack Parsons
    Dec 30, 2019 at 23:25
  • $\begingroup$ I think this is different: AIUI, the OP's distance from [3,5] to [4,2] is 5, not 11. $\endgroup$
    – Ben Reiniger ♦
    Jan 29, 2020 at 0:02

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