Self-Similarity of Space Filling Curves

Abstract

We define exact self-similarity of Space Filling Curves on the plane. For that purpose, we adapt the general definition of exact self-similarity on sets, a typical property of fractals, to the specific characteristics of discrete approximations of Space Filling Curves. We also develop an algorithm to test exact selfsimilarity of discrete approximations of Space Filling Curves on the plane. In addition, we use our algorithm to determine exact self-similarity of discrete approximations of four of the most representative Space Filling Curves. We found that SFCs like Moore’s based on recursive structure are actually not selfsimilar, highlighting the need to establish a formal definition of the concept for SFCs.