By evaluating the intensity gradients in two orthogonal directions at each pixel in digitized images of soil microfabric, it is possible to quantitatively assess the degree of orientation of features in that image. The results may be displayed as rosette diagrams, or processed further to evaluate an index of anisotrophy which may be compared with external physical factors such as the stresses applied to the soil. Various formulae for deriving the intensity gradients have been considered. The techniques described are applicable to any digitized image, and a selected number of such images of deformed clays are presented to illustrate the technique.