Novel Structural Analyses of Surface Networks

1. Surface Networks Surface Network also called Pfaltz’s Graph is a graph-based model of terrains, proposed by Pfaltz (1976). In Surface Network, the nodes are the three most important topographic point features, namely pits, peaks, and passes. The edges of the graph are the ridges and channels. The ridges correspond to the paths between passes to the peaks and the channels correspond to the paths between pits to the passes. Fig. 1 shows a hypothetical island and it’s Surface Network. Despite some limitations in the Surface Network model, the natural and intuitive resemblance of the Surface Network model (in comparison to raster DEM or TIN mesh) to real terrains has kept it a topic of active research in various disciplines. Rana (2004) has compiled a collection of the key research articles in Surface Networks.