Patent ID: 6104408
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A process for determining the contour (CV) of valleys of a specified geographical area (ZI), wherein:A/ the probable hydrographic net (RH) of said geographical area (ZI) is determined, said hydrographic net (RH) being presented in a first matrix (M) which represents said geographical area (ZI) and which includes at each matrix point, corresponding to a part of said geographical area (ZI) liable to form part of a watercourse (A, B), a characteristic code (a, b) designating said watercourse (A, B);B/ a second matrix is formed which represents said geographical area (ZI) and which includes at each matrix point the altitude of the corresponding part of said geographical area (ZI);C/ the tributaries and the points of confluence of all the watercourses of said hydrographic net (RH) are determined from said first matrix (M);D/ valley points (PV) are determined in said matrices from said first and second matrices, the parts of the geographical area (ZI) corresponding to said valley points (PV) being liable to belong to a valley contour (CV);E/ valley contour segments (S) are defined on the basis of the valley points (PV) thus determined, as well as of said tributaries and said points of confluence; andF/ said valley contours (CV) are formed on the basis of the segments (S) thus defined.