Even stranger, is that Mandelbrot developed his concept of fractals in an effort to mathematically explain irregular topographic regions and irregular coastlines. The first practical use for fractals came from Hollywood when an FX guru wanted to create 3d computerized landscapes for movies. Although this is old hat now, it was brand new at the time. What enabled him to do it was when he read Mandelbrot's book on fractals. He began developing a program that would generate fractal algorithms so that he could create any landscape he envisioned within a few minutes. We can do this routinely now but it was fractals that enabled it. Fractals and land masses seem to go together. So you have to wonder if Mandelbrot rediscovered rather than discovered this knowledge and are subtle clues worked into these maps?
|