Image processing: b/w, blob analysis

I have an image like this and interested in blob analysis of it - measure orientation and length of all "thick line" components. The problems is that when there are too many of these components they tend to stick together forming kind of 'Z'-shape or smth like '<' or '>' shape connected component. Is there any way to separate these components with available image analysis tools?

Thanks, Katya

Answer 1

[Sean de Wolski]

doc imdilate
doc imerode
doc bwmorph
doc watershed

just a few to get you started.