A method is provided to facilitate the movement of a medical device for automated mapping of anatomical surfaces of a subject's heart with a remote navigation. The method may include one or more distinct movements for moving a medical device for mapping a portion of an anatomical surface of a subject's heart. Upon establishing contact of the tip of the medical device with a surface of the heart, one method provides for moving the medical device along the surface of the heart towards an anatomical feature until a loss of contact with the surface is sensed, and determining the point where the loss of contact occurred to identify at least one point along the anatomical feature. The process may be repeated to identify a multiplicity of points that serve to define the ridge on the interior heart surface. The ridge location in the anatomical map can be used as a reference or guide to facilitate the further mapping of physiological properties and to plan therapy delivery during the medical procedure.