The Distance Estimator coloring algorithm estimates the distance between a pixel and the boundary of the fractal (for example the boundary of the Mandelbrot set). The pixel is colored accordingly.
This coloring algorithm is especially good at showing the thin connecting lines and miniatures that exist everywhere in the Mandelbrot set. It works correctly for divergent fractal formulas like Mandelbrot, Julia, and Phoenix.
The Exponent parameter should be set to match the exponent or power of the fractal formula (this is usually also a parameter). Higher values (like 128) for the bail-out parameter of the fractal formula give the best results.
Distance Estimator is available as a coloring algorithm in Standard.ucl and as a coloring plug-in in Standard.ulb.