Accurate Extraction Method for Continental Margin FOS Line Considering Terrain Continuity

This paper addresses the limitations and low efficiency of current methods for precise identification of continental margin break points in the delimitation of the outer continental shelf. From a three-dimensional perspective, it proposes a novel method for extracting the foot-of-slope (FOS) line of the continental margin that considers terrain continuity. First, the algorithm uses the rolling ball transform to classify the strength of the attributes of negative topographic feature lines of the seafloor. Then, it conducts experiments on two sets of negative topographic feature lines with strong and weak attributes. By calculating the proportion of the intersection of weak attribute lines with strong ones, it establishes a hierarchical pattern of importance for these lines. Subsequently, the algorithm integrates a multi-factor screening process for the continental margin FOS line. Finally, it achieves accurate and efficient extraction of the FOS line while preserving terrain continuity. The method’s effectiveness is verified through visual interpretation, comparison, and efficiency experiments in a real digital depth model. The results indicate that the algorithm can accurately extract the FOS line, effectively distinguish the continental margin, and maintain high efficiency.