Surface network extraction from high resolution digital terrain models

A surface network is a topological data structure formed by set of thalwegs and ridges on digital terrain model. Its computation relies the detection saddles terrain. Hence, methods must guarantee enough are detected but also that no improper conflicts between created, leading to an inconsistent network. This paper presents new approach maximizes number ensures this consistency for high-resolution models represented raster grid. The grid triangulated in order preserve facilitate thalweg ridge computation. It does not require any user parameter lines remain aligned with triangulation edges, avoiding numerical errors. method includes coherent partitioning into hills dales. case study shows can be achieved reasonable time hence applied analysis large models.