For many profiles the values of the boundary fractals deduced by different exploration techniques are identical but the presence of deep fissures of convoluted structure can perturb the information gathered by the exploration technique. Data for different boundaries generated by different exploration techniques are used to illustrate the physical significance of the deduced fractal dimensions as evaluated using the different techniques. Heuristic programs for teaching an automated instrument to distinguish between different regions of ruggedness around a profile and to prevent ＇＇fractal rabbits＇＇ from appearing in the data are outlined. It is shown how the logic for removing fractal rabbits from the experimental data will also generate data on the presence of sharp edges on the profile. The possible occurrence of pseudo-texture fractal dimensions from projection occlusion is discussed.