The theory of fractals was first developed to study nature. Fractal geometry uses procedures rather than equations to model objects. Geometric representations of fractals are used in computer graphics to describe and explain features of natural phenomena. The many different types of fractals are used to model realistic coastlines, clouds, trees, and other natural features. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an introduction to fractals and fractal geometry.
Fractals exhibit different kinds of self-similarity.
Self-similarity simply means that the parts of the object are similar to the whole object. A fractal is composed of several smaller versions of itself. Self-similarity is an important characteristic for the creation of realistic fractals. Fractals also have a dimension associated with them. It is in no way similar to Euclidean dimension.