Abstract: A line following system (10) adapted for scanning a two dimensional line segment image (12) with a scanner device (16) such that cartesian analog array (22) is created in digital memory as a quantifiable representation of the image (12). The cartesian array (22) is processed by a method of counting consecutive positive bits (32) along a series of selected vectors (36) and vector pairs (38) and storing the data in a count register memory (41) for each working bit (40) selected. The method utilizes a series of working bits (40) until the entire cartesian array (22) has been mapped. The data is then forwarded to a selected output device, such as a digital plotter, a monitor screen or a CAD system. The primary use of the invention is a component of an overall system utilized in CAD for electronic, artistic and architectural applications.