The Areal Feature Parameters

Unlike field parameters, where every point on the surface is taken into account in the calculation, the category of feature parameters takes into account only identified features on the surface. Features are considered because they play a significant role in a particular function (for example, large peaks and hills play a functional role as contact zones in mechanical engineering applications; while points located in valleys do not). Significant features are identified by segmentation of the surface and selected by a discrimination method known as pruning. Parameters are then calculated to quantify the characteristics of the selected features.