The wavelet transform modulus maxima (WTMM) method is generalized to multifractal image analysis, providing a statistical characterization of the fluctuating roughness of fractal surfaces. This isotropic 2D version of WTMM methodology is calibrated on deterministic self-similar interfaces and random self-affine surfaces (fractional Brownian surfaces and multifractal counterparts). Applications to high-resolution satellite data and simulated radiance fields for stratocumulus clouds are presented.

• Received 6 March 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.79.75