The metric tensor uniquely defines the geometric properties of a metric space, while differential geometry is concerned with the derivatives of vectors and tensors within the metric space. Derivatives of vector quantities include the derivatives of basis vectors, which lead to Christoffel symbols that are directly connected to the metric tensor. This connection between tensor derivatives and the metric tensor provides the tools necessary to define geodesic curves. The geodesic equation is derived from variational calculus and from parallel transport. Geodesic motion is the trajectory of a particle through a metric space defined by an action metric that includes a potential function. In this way, dynamics converts to geometry as a trajectory in a potential converts to a geodesic curve through an appropriately defined metric space.
Metric Tensor and Christoffel Symbols Based 3D Object Categorization
