Settlement patterns and path networks evolve with unharmonized temporalities, but in constant interaction which render the territorial studies very challenging. Remote sensing, GIS and 3D modeling have greatly contributed to our knowledge and understanding of movement as encapsulated in routes, but the methods employed make it difficult to connect with theories of engagement through travel. Pragmatically, it is difficult to integrate LiDAR-detected traces of pathways, which conflate temporalities, with network analysis techniques and settlement pattern analysis which focus on changing patterns over time. After a general review of the main methods developed to detect movement, pathways and networks of transportation, we will present ideas to develop a conceptual framework that will enable us to make the connection between the material evidence of routes and various computer-based models of movement. A comparison of regional case studies from the literature will be presented to discuss the balance between general models and specific contextualisation.