Ridge and valley line extraction from digital terrain models

Abstract

Abstract A new method for ridge and valley line extraction from digital images has been developed. This method is based on lines drawn by moving under logical constraints in the image, starting from previously selected points. Compared to classical statistical processing, this approach, which we term ‘structuralist’ leads to results that allow a better understanding of image topography. Three algorithms based on this dynamic method are presented and applied to a digital elevation model.