A computer implemented method for detecting a channel system comprises importing channel data, wherein the channel data includes intensity measurements associated with locations in the channel system. The method further comprises calculating, by a processor, directional first derivative data of the intensity measurements; selecting a plurality of localized test wavelets; calculating, by the processor, a plurality of fit-measures, wherein the plurality of fit-measures indicate correlations between the directional first derivatives and the plurality of localized test wavelets; and determining a plurality of selected wavelets from the plurality of localized test wavelets based on the plurality of fit-measures, wherein the plurality of selected wavelets model the channel system.