 Geometric measure theory

Geometric measure theory uses measures and analysis to study geometric objects that need not be smooth. Its measuring rules can distinguish a curve from its surrounding plane or capture the fine structure of a fractal. Hausdorff measure supplies size adapted to an exponent, while Hausdorff dimension identifies the exponent at which that size changes character.

The Cantor set is an elementary starting point: it has zero Lebesgue measure but positive Hausdorff dimension. In Hausdorff dimension of the Cantor set, explicit small covers give an upper bound and a distributed probability measure supplies the matching lower bound. This combination of geometric coverings and analytic control is useful even before more advanced tools for irregular surfaces are introduced.