ridgetracking

Ridge tracking is a term used in geography and geospatial analysis to describe the process of identifying and tracing ridgelines in terrain data, most commonly from digital elevation models (DEMs). The goal is to produce a polyline representation of crest lines that define elevated features such as mountain ridges and spines.

Methods

Ridge tracking typically combines gradient and curvature analysis with path-following algorithms. Common approaches include computing terrain curvature (profile and planform) to locate high-elevation lines with minimal lateral height change, applying Hessian-based ridge detectors, and using seed points or seedless ridge-following along local ridge direction to connect crest points into continuous lines. Some workflows integrate hydrological constraints by ensuring ridges align with areas of high drainage divide, or by restricting continuation to cells with higher elevation than neighboring cells to preserve crest character. Scale and resolution strongly affect ridge delineation; smoothing may be applied to reduce noise.

Applications

Ridge tracking supports terrain visualization and analysis in fields such as hydrology, geomorphology, and landscape planning by distinguishing ridges from valleys. It is used in telecommunications and infrastructure planning to identify optimal line-of-sight routes, in mountaineering and outdoor recreation for route planning, and in geology to characterize terrain forms and sediment transport potential.

Limitations and variations

The term is not always standardized, and different software implementations may use slightly different definitions. Ridges are scale-dependent, and delineation can be ambiguous in flat or heavily vegetated terrain. See also crest line, ridge line, digital elevation model, curvature, GIS.