Copied from https://code.google.com/p/eggbotcode/issues/detail?id=19

The Inkscape extension plots paths in the order of objects that it encounters in the file. It would be nice to have an option to optimize the order of plotting (that performs better than existing extension).

Some things to consider:

• Optimization should only be performed manually as a separate option from plotting-- plot order should normally be under full user control.
• Optimization can only be layer by layer. If the user wants to optimize the full drawing, then it should be converted to single-layer first.
• Reversing paths should be considered as an option
• A good figure of merit would be the total pen-up distance travelled.
• The problem is computationally hard (TSP equivalent). Approximate solutions should be considered acceptable.
• User should be informed of degree of optimization performed.