  Experimentally monitoring the kinematics of branching network growth is a
tricky task, given the complexity of the structures generated in three
dimensions. One option is to drive the network in such a way as to obtain
two-dimensional growth, enabling a collection of independent images to be
obtained. The density of the network generates ambiguous structures, such as
overlaps and meetings, which hinder the reconstruction of the chronology of
connections. In this paper, we propose a general method for global network
reconstruction. Each network connection is defined by a unique label, enabling
it to be tracked in time and space. In this work, we distinguish between
lateral and apical branches on the one hand, and extremities on the other.
Finally, we reconstruct the network after identifying and eliminating overlaps.
This method is then applied to the model filamentous fungus Podospora anserina
to reconstruct its growing thallus. We derive criteria for differentiating
between apical and lateral branches. We find that the outer ring is favorably
composed of apical branches, while densification within the network comes from
lateral branches. From this, we derive the specific dynamics of each of the two
types. Finally, in the absence of any latency phase during growth initiation,
we can reconstruct a time based on the equality of apical and lateral branching
collections. This makes it possible to directly compare the growth dynamics of
different thalli.
