title: AI navigation around a 2d map - avoiding obstacles
body: <p>I know my question seems pretty vague, but I can't think of a better way to put it, so I'll start off by explaining what I'm trying to do.</p>
  
  <p>I'm currently working on a project whereby I've been given a map and I'm coding a 'Critter' that should be able to navigate its way around the map; the critter has various other functions, but those are not relevant to the current question. The whole program and solution is being written in C#.</p>
  
  <p>I can control the speed of the critter, and retrieve its current location on the map by returning its current X and Y position, I can also set its direction when it collides with the terrain that blocks it.</p>
  
  <p>The only problem I have is that I can't think of a way to intelligently navigate my way around the map; so far I've been basing it on what direction the critter is facing when it collides with the terrain, and this is in no way a good way of moving around the map!</p>
  
  <p>I'm not a games programmer, and this is for a software assignment, so I have no clue on AI techniques.</p>
  
  <p>Here's a link to an image of what the maps and critters look like:</p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/2445a76772.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Map and Critter image</a></p>
  
  <p>I'm in no way looking for anyone to give me a full solution, just a push in the general direction on map navigation.</p>