Graphical applications of L-systems

A new method for generating pictures is presented and illustrated with examples. The idea is to generate a string of symbols using an L−system, and to interpret this string as a sequence of commands which control a "turtle". Suitable generalizations of the notions of the L−system and of a turtle are introduced. The resulting mathematical model can be used to create a variety of (finite approximations of) fractal curves, ranging from Koch curves, to classic space−filling curves, to relatively realistic−looking pictures of plants and trees. All these pictures are defined in a uniform and compact way.