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Geological strain analysis is a common task for structural geologists. This contribution presents software written on top of the Mathematica platform which allows for rapid semi-automatic strain analysis. After an initial step of manual identification of strain markers, the software performs image analysis, parameter extraction and strain analysis using the shape and relative spatial positioning of markers. Bootstrap estimates of sampling errors are calculated and suitable graphical output is generated. Three representative samples of lithologies typically used in strain analysis are analysed to test the software. We present an automated method for geological strain analysis techniques using Mathematica.Grain boundary parameters are automatically extracted using image analysis.Strain estimates are made using object separation and object shape properties.Both methods compare well to previously published manual estimates.A statistical technique allows error estimates to be calculated using the bootstrap method.

Digital images obtained from X-ray computed tomography scans are analysed for the estimation of inclusion shape and orientation. Three-dimensional computer imagery and segmentation algorithms are used to visualise and isolate the regions of interest. These regions are then approximated by best-fit ellipsoids and the mean best-fit ellipsoid is used as a measure of preferred inclusion orientation. A Windows program is developed to implement these procedures and results found from both manufactured and natural data are presented. These results show that the radiodensity contrast plays a major role in the ability of the software to isolate inclusions from their matrix and hence determine rock fabric.