A method and apparatus for implementing a streaming two-dimensional digital image segmentation is provided. The image segmentation method is compatible with architectures for scan-line processing and streaming image data. More particularly, the method is accomplished by detecting horizontal runs of non-background image elements potentially having a particular property, calculating an average strength value of the property for the run and comparing the value to a threshold. A separate strength value for the property and run start position are maintained for each vertical column of image elements. Thus, an average strength value of a vertical run is calculated for each image element in the horizontal run and compared with the average strength value for the horizontal run. If the results agree, the image elements are tagged accordingly (i.e. whether the property is present). However, a strategy for resolving the results is implemented when the horizontal and vertical analyses do not agree. Several predetermined schemes for doing so are contemplated.