posterior-landscape: morphological feature finding in two-dimensional probability densities

We present posterior-landscape, a Python framework to identify and characterize morphological features in two-dimensional probability densities. The framework combines concepts from topological data analysis, statistical density-ridge estimation, and scale-space image analysis. It extracts localized concentrations, valleys, ridges, and changes of slope; for Bayesian reconstructions, it propagates uncertainty in feature recovery, geometry, and correspondence across posteriors. The framework also connects two-dimensional structures to features in one-dimensional marginals, and quantifies their correlation with other inferred parameters. We validate the method on controlled densities, and demonstrate its use on gravitational-wave population reconstructions, where it provides a systematic way to identify and interpret population features and assess which ones carry information relevant for cosmology. The resulting catalogues also offer a common morphological representation for future comparisons between predictions and population reconstructions.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
arXiv (Cornell University)
Published
2026-10-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2610.40272
Primary Topic
Topological and Geometric Data Analysis
Type
preprint
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preprint

posterior-landscape: morphological feature finding in two-dimensional probability densities

Viola De Renzis, Michele Mancarella, A. Agapito
arXiv (Cornell University)
Topological and Geometric Data Analysis
preprint

posterior-landscape: morphological feature finding in two-dimensional probability densities

Viola De Renzis, Michele Mancarella, A. Agapito
preprint en

Abstract

We present posterior-landscape, a Python framework to identify and characterize morphological features in two-dimensional probability densities. The framework combines concepts from topological data analysis, statistical density-ridge estimation, and scale-space image analysis. It extracts localized concentrations, valleys, ridges, and changes of slope; for Bayesian reconstructions, it propagates uncertainty in feature recovery, geometry, and correspondence across posteriors. The framework also connects two-dimensional structures to features in one-dimensional marginals, and quantifies their correlation with other inferred parameters. We validate the method on controlled densities, and demonstrate its use on gravitational-wave population reconstructions, where it provides a systematic way to identify and interpret population features and assess which ones carry information relevant for cosmology. The resulting catalogues also offer a common morphological representation for future comparisons between predictions and population reconstructions.

arXiv (Cornell University)
Topological and Geometric Data Analysis
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posterior-landscape: morphological feature finding in two-dimensional probability densities — Viola De Renzis, Michele Mancarella, et al. · arXiv (Cornell University) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS