A development of elliptic Fourier analysis, consisting in an alignment of harmonics according to their clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation, resolves the discrepancy between calculated harmonic frequencies and observed morphological periodicities. The new technique is supported by consistent data of empiric and fractal contours, comparatively analyzed and visualized with and without harmonic alignment. The method is particularly suitable for the recognition of periodic modulations of the cell surface. A preliminary analysis of two different cell populations (echinocytes and chondrocytes) shows distinct patterns of surface modulation that allow an effective discrimination of the cell type, while providing relevant information about the respective cytological configurations.