The process of comparing in fingermark recovered from a crime scene with the fingerprint taken from a known individual involves the characterization and comparison of different ridge details on both the mark and the print. Fingerprint examiners commonly classify these characteristics into three different groups, depending on their level of discriminating power. It is commonly considered that the general pattern of the ridge flow constitutes first level detail, specific ridge flow and minutiae (e.g., ending ridges, bifurcations) constitutes second-level detail, and fine ridge details (e.g., pore positions and shapes) are described as third-level detail. (Published Abstract)