Minimal simplicial self-maps of the 2-sphere (Q5933865)

The following question is examined in the paper under review: What is the least number \(\lambda(M,d)\) of vertices required to triangulate the orientable surface \(M\) such that there is a simplicial map \(M\to{\mathbf S}^2\) of degree \(d\), where the \(2\)-sphere \({\mathbf S}^2\) is realized as the boundary of the tetrahedron. The authors prove that \(\lambda({\mathbf S}^2,1)=4\), \(\lambda({\mathbf S}^2,2)=7\), and \(\lambda({\mathbf S}^2,d)=2+2d\) for \(d\geq 3\). Further, if \(M_g\) is an orientable surface of genus \(g\geq 1\), then the corresponding result \(\lambda(M_g,d)=2d+2-2g\) holds provided that \(d\geq 9(2g-1)\). For non-orientable \(M\) there are precisely two homotopy classes of mappings \(M\to{\mathbf S}^2\). Both can be realized from any vertex minimal triangulation of \(M\); hence the corresponding question is answered by Heawood's map color theorem as proved by Ringel and Youngs [see \textit{G. Ringel}, Map color theorem, Grundlehren Math. Wiss. 209 (1974; Zbl 0287.05102)].