Fractal analysis of the complexity of Nanji Island coastline using IKONOS images

Analyses the complexity of Nanji Island coastline by using fractal theory. The results show that the fractal dimensions of the different parts of the coastline are very different, further analysis reveals that the populations of the communities of seashells and algae are also different. According to the fractal dimensions, the coastline of Nanji Island can be demarcated into six types: sandy beach, exposed reef, sheltered reef, man-made bank, mud flat and gravel bank.