Image analysis used a diamond disc to obtain a cross section of a filter fabric with no edge effects and polished the cross section with silicon carbide paper to obtain a high cross section with silicon carbide paper to obtain a high quality surface observable via optical and scanning electron microscopy and macrophotography. The method permits the analysis of such macroscopic properties as thickness, homogeneity, and anisotropy, as well as such internal properties as porosity, pore size, and fiber size. A two stage process involving carbonization at 900 degrees centigrade and activation in an oxidizing atmosphere at 1200 degrees centigrade manufactures activated carbon fabrics and felts from viscose precursor fabrics. Stereological, individual, and morphological analyses of activated carbon fabrics and felts optimize control of pressure loss, filtering efficiency, capillary flow, and heterogeneity in carbon filters.