The document discusses edge detection in images. It begins by defining the goal of edge detection as identifying discontinuities in images. Edges encode most semantic and shape information in a compact manner compared to pixels. The document then discusses various causes of edges, methods for characterizing edges including using the gradient and derivative, approaches to edge detection using filters, and issues related to noise. It also covers the widely used Canny edge detector which uses a multi-stage process including filtering, finding the gradient, non-maximum suppression, and hysteresis thresholding to detect edges in a way that optimizes localization and detection.