# Gradient Vectors

A LineMax tool analyzes a runtime image in order to generate a set of gradient vectors representing all the edge information it contains. Each gradient vector has a direction and a magnitude:

- The direction points to where the image increases in brightness.
- The magnitude indicates the strength of the contrast between this area of the image and the surrounding areas.

The following figure shows an example set of gradient vectors generated from image information:

The set of all the gradient vectors generated from a runtime image represents a gradient field. The LineMax tool defines potential edge candidates and performs line fitting on the gradient field and not the original runtime image.