Ridge detection with the steepest ascent method

We propose a new method to detect ridges from digital elevation map (DEM) data. We call it "the steepest ascent method" which is based on steepest ascent lines obtained by selecting the maximum inclined direction from eight neighbors. Then ridge lines are extracted by their steepest ascent lines on a surface. In this paper it is shown that our method is able to detect ridge lines sharply. Besides we claim that our algorithm is simple and suitable for huge area such as the entire area of Japan. Finally, we give the ridge detected terrain map of the entire area of Japan and Korea by applying "the steepest ascent method".