Detailed Markup Search Profile: Dots and Incipients

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A dot is an isolated single ridge unit (ridge that contains a single pore). Generally, the width of a dot is similar to the width of neighboring ridges, and the length of a dot approximates its width. If a ridge is significantly longer than it is wide and contains multiple ridge units, it is a short ridge rather than a dot.

An incipient ridge is a thin ridge, substantially thinner than nearby ridges. Incipient ridges generally do not contain pores. Incipients frequently appear as a series of separate segments.

Often the distinction between a dot, an incipient ridge, and a short ridge is unclear.

If the feature is similar in width to the local ridge width and at least twice as long as it is wide, consider it a standard ridge and mark both ridge endings. If pores are visible, a standard ridge should have at least two pores.

If the feature is similar in width to the local ridge width, but about as long as it is wide, mark it as a dot.

If the feature is substantially thinner than local ridge width, mark it as an incipient ridge.

Dots and incipients are marked for case work and if EFS Profile 3: Detailed Markup Profile is to be used.

A dot is marked at its center point.

An incipient ridge is marked with a line segment along its longest dimension. If an incipient ridge is composed of a series of segments, do the following:

Mark the series as a single line if the segments of the incipient are close together or the separations between segments are indistinct.
Mark the series as separate incipient ridges if the segments are clearly separate (with distinct lines drawn for each).
If an unbroken incipient ridge curves, mark it as a series of adjoining line segments. In many cases, distinguishing among dots, incipients, and ridge edge protrusions (spurs) is a judgment call.

Select Dot or Incipient to change your cursor to that tool. For a dot, click and release on the center of the feature. For an incipient ridge, click down at one end of the ridge, then drag to the other end and release. To remove a mark, click on the Delete tool, then on that spot on the canvas.

As noted, sometimes the difference between dots, incipients, and short ridges is ambiguous. If the definitions of dots, incipient ridges, and short ridges does lead to a clear decision, take a best guess: it is most important to identify that a feature of note is present.