Fractal analysis offers potential as a tool for evaluating the visual qualities of street vistas. In this paper we outline the concept of fractal dimension as a measure of texture in images of built form and describe a methodology for comparing fractal dimension with perceptions of visual quality in street vistas. We find that a positive relationship exists between levels of fractal dimension and judgments of visual quality in street vistas and outline the applications that this relationship may have.

Fig. I. A form of Bresenham's algorithm for the generation of the straight line/ = mx + c, where 0 < m < I (first octant), and c < i (the origin is a sensible starting point). The algorithm has been modified so that d operates in the range 0 ^ d < I.The control parameter in Bresenham's algorithm, when interpreted as a measure of distance from a straight line boundary, gives a weighted average of the intensities on each side of the line. This can be used to produce an aesthetically pleasing visual effect with modern display devices.