Position in hierarchy
The position of the entity in the hierarchical structure of entities in the GDB.

Specific to the entity
Characteristics unique to the entity that allow all aspects useful for its identification to be grasped.

Shape
Distinction between linear, point, and areal shapes, three-dimensional pattern of the entity.

Dimensions
Expanse (length, width, diameter) and height of the entity: minima, maxima, and means.

Topographic position
Location of the entity relative to major landforms: drainage basin, mountain, plateau, plain, valley, slope, etc.

Drainage
Surface moisture, outside of saturated zones, in connection with the texture of the materials in the entity.

Vegetation
Presence of vegetation typical of the entity or patterns of plant associations making it possible to distinguish the entity.

Relative to the entity's dynamics
Characteristics pertaining to the origin and the state of the entity.

Emplacement process
The agent or set of agents responsible for the entity's emplacement and evolution.

State
Dynamic state of the entity: inherited or current. In the case of inherited features, we speak of paleolandforms; in the case of current landforms, we speak of their ongoing formation.

Spatio-temporal variations
Variations in the entity or its appearance that are functions of cyclical conditions (seasonal, multi-year, etc.) or event driven.

Relative to the environment
Characteristic of the conditions in the entity's milieu and its relationship with other entities or forms present in this milieu.

Land-based photography
Photographs of the landscape that present one or several examples of the entity's aspects, as they might be seen from the ground.

Aerial photography
Oblique or vertical aerial photographs that present on or several examples of the entity's aspects, as they might be seen from the air.

Satellite imagery
Satellite images (from Landsat7 ETM+) that present one or several examples of the entity's aspects, as they might be seen from space.

Critical path
Establishing a unique critical path of interpretation for each entity from the imagery or aerial photography on the basis of its characteristics.

Distinction and delimitation
The possibility of distinguishing and delimiting the shape on the image or aerial photograph has been established and the criteria for success have been described.

Identification
Contrasting the various elements of confusion and recognition with other entities or forms for purposes of identification.

Use of complementary sources of information
Complementing or cross-checking the interpretation with additional sources of information that are easily accessible, such as those on known Internet sites.