Buch, Englisch, 180 Seiten, KART, Format (B × H): 176 mm x 250 mm, Gewicht: 350 g
Landscape metrics for characterising three-dimensional patterns and ecological gradients
Buch, Englisch, 180 Seiten, KART, Format (B × H): 176 mm x 250 mm, Gewicht: 350 g
ISBN: 978-3-941216-13-6
Verlag: Rhombos-Verlag
Sebastian Hoechstetter
Enhanced methods for analysing landscape structure
Landscape metrics for characterising three-dimensional patterns and ecological gradients
Band 6 der Reihe „Fernerkundung und angewandte Geoinformatik“. Herausgegeben von Univ. Prof. Dr. habil. Elmar Csaplovics, Lehrstuhl Remote Sensing, FR Geowissenschaften, TU Dresden
180 Seiten. Format B5. Broschur. Zahlreiche Abbildungen, 3 davon farbig. Preis: 32,80 Euro. (Sprache: Englisch)
ISBN 978-3-941216-13-6. Rhombos-Verlag, Berlin 2009
One of the central goals of landscape ecology is relating spatial patterns to ecological processes. Therefore, effective methods for measuring landscape structure are needed. One of the most widely used approaches in this context is the patch-corridor-matrix model, which regards landscapes as being mosaics made up of different units or elements. But this concept is connected with a number of problems. For example, the third spatial dimension (elevation) and ecological gradients are largely neglected and cannot be analysed using standard landscape metrics. In this research study, these deficiencies are dealt with in detail and possible methodical solutions are presented. This way, this work is meant to contribute to an improved concept of landscape structure analysis in order to meet the challenges posed by the complexity of landscape ecological problems. It addresses the needs of both scientists and practitioners in this field.
Autoren/Hrsg.
Weitere Infos & Material
Table of contents
List of figures XVI
List of tables XVIII
List of abbreviations XIX
Abstract XXI
Kurzfassung XXIII
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Background and research questions: Modern landscape ecology and its shortcomings 1
1.2 Structure of the present work 3
2 Theoretical background 5
2.1 “Landscape” as a research subject – History, terms and definitions 5
2.1.1 A brief history of landscape ecology 5
2.1.2 Landscape definitions 7
2.1.3 Landscape ecology – two fundamental approaches 9
2.1.4 General principles in landscape ecology 11
2.2 Models and concepts in landscape ecology 12
2.2.1 The “North American approach” and the patch-corridor-matrix model 12
2.2.1.1 Landscape elements 13
2.2.1.2 Spatial heterogeneity and landscape structure 17
2.2.1.3 Landscape metrics – Theory, software, application 19
2.2.1.4 Scale and landscape structure – Effects and implications 24
2.2.2 An alternative approach: the “Leipzig-Dresden School” 28
3 Motivation: reasons for enhancing the patch-corridor-matrix model 31
3.1 The “3D”-aspect: the third spatial dimension in landscape ecology 32
3.1.1 The necessity of integrating the third dimension into landscape ecological analyses 32
3.1.2 An overview of existing methodical approaches 35
3.1.2.1 Relief parameters and relief classification 35
3.1.2.2 Landform indices 38
3.1.2.3 Texture analysis 42
3.2 The “gradient”-aspect: the assessment of ecological gradients 43
3.2.1 Relevance of gradients and distance decay in ecological systems 43
3.2.2 Existing approaches for the analysis of ecological gradients 46
3.2.2.1 Usage of “moving windows” in landscape ecology 46
3.2.2.2 Multi-scale analyses 48
3.2.2.3 Fuzzy approaches 50
3.2.2.4 Spectral and wavelet analysis 51
3.3 The “technology”-aspect: Advancing software performance and new base data as a foundation for new analysis approaches 53
3.3.1 Geographic Information Systems: On the way to 3D-GIS 53
3.3.2 High-resolution elevation data 55
4 A proposal of new methodical approaches 59
4.1 Metrics for the assessment of the third dimension 59
4.1.1 Adjusted calculation formulas for standard landscape metrics 59
4.1.1.1 General correction approach for patch area and perimeter 60
4.1.1.2 Area and perimeter metrics 63
4.1.1.3 Shape metrics 65
4.1.1.4 Edge metrics 67
4.1.1.5 Fragmentation metrics 68
4.1.1.6 Diversity metrics 69
4.1.1.7 Contrast metrics 70
4.1.1.8 Distance Metrics – A correction approach using the A*-algorithm 72
4.1.2 Surface metrology 77
4.2 Ecological gradients 79
4.2.1 Lacunarity analysis 79
4.2.2 Landform indices and lacunarity analysis combined 83
4.3 Technical implementation – The ArcGIS-extension LandMetrics-3D 83
5 Examples of use and results: application and functional relevance of the proposed analysis methods 87
5.1 Comparing “2D” and “3D” landscape metrics using neutral landscape models 87
5.2 General index behaviour under realistic conditions 90
5.2.1 Study areas and data basis 90
5.2.1.1 Study areas 1 and 2: Rathen and Rosenthal (Saxony) 91
5.2.1.2 Study area 3: Bad Urach (Baden-Wuerttemberg) 92
5.2.1.3 Data basis 92
5.2.2 Basic patch geometries 95
5.2.3 General behaviour of landscape metrics in the study areas 97
5.2.3.1 Shape metrics 97
5.2.3.2 Edge metrics 98
5.2.3.3 Fragmentation metrics 98
5.2.3.4 Diversity metrics 99
5.2.3.5 Isolation/proximity metrics 100
5.2.3.6 Contrast metrics 102
5.2.3.7 Surface metrology indices 104
5.3 Analysis of scale effects connected with the proposed 3D-metrics 106
5.4 3D-metrics in different regions: Case study analysis using additional German study areas 110
5.5 Lacunarity analysis in practice 115
5.5.1 Application to simulated data 115
5.5.2 Lacunarity analysis performed on a normalised digital surface model 116
5.5.3 Application of lacunarity analysis in combination with landform indices 120
6 Discussion and evaluation 123
6.1 Evaluation of the applied methods 123
6.1.1 Applying correction algorithms to standard landscape metrics 123
6.1.2 The value of surface metrology indices 125
6.1.3 Interpretation of the scale effects 126
6.1.4 General applicability in different terrain situations 127
6.1.5 Lacunarity analysis as a tool for the assessment of ecological gradients 128
6.2 Summarising evaluation and comparison with existing methods 129
6.3 Possible fields of application 133
Summary and outlook 137
References 141
Foreword
This research work presents innovative methods for advancing the science of “landscape structure analysis”. The study was carried out under the Leibniz Institute of Ecological and Regional Development project “Landscape Metrics for Analysing Spatio-Temporal Dimensions (4-D Indices)” financed by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The background is an approach widely used in landscape ecology under which the structure of landscapes, in other words the "pattern" or "mosaic" of landscapes, is treated as a composition and configuration of discrete landscape elements (“patches”) such as individual land use units. “Landscape metrics” enable these spatial patterns to be quantified. The aim is to determine the structure of a landscape, for instance to document it for monitoring purposes or to provide input parameters for simulation models in landscape ecology.
This research work presents innovative methods for advancing the science of “landscape structure analysis”. The study was carried out under the Leibniz Institute of Ecological and Regional Development project “Landscape Metrics for Analysing Spatio-Temporal Dimensions (4-D Indices)” financed by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The background is an approach widely used in landscape ecology under which the structure of landscapes, in other words the "pattern" or "mosaic" of landscapes, is treated as a composition and configuration of discrete landscape elements (“patches”) such as individual land use units. “Landscape metrics” enable these spatial patterns to be quantified. The aim is to determine the structure of a landscape, for instance to document it for monitoring purposes or to provide input parameters for simulation models in landscape ecology.
Landscape metrics are now used in much scientific experimental work in Europe and North America. In recent years they have also found practical application, for example in assessment procedures for planning. Landscape metrics are currently making the transition from scientific use to use in practical fields. Since these parameters can in many cases complement or supplement existing methods, any obstacles or uncertainties need to be eliminated.
Against this background, Sebastian Hoechstetter discusses the shortcomings of the landscape structure analysis approach and its potential for expansion. On the basis of comprehensive research, he clearly demonstrates the problems posed by the need to include the third dimension and by the hitherto sharp definition of boundaries between patches. For instance, landscape metrics mostly take account only of the twodimensional surface. Ecologically significant three-dimensional structures, like elevation or differences in height to neighbouring patches are more or less ignored; nor is height structure (texture) within a use class taken into account.
In considering the further development of landscape metrics, Sebastian Hoechstetter therefore focuses on capturing three-dimensional patterns and ecological gradients. In the first place, this involves integrating true surface areas and distances into common landscape metrics. Metrics hitherto used only in the material sciences, namely in “surface metrology” are also drawn on at the landscape level. A new development is the measurement of lacunarity. In describing the methodological state of the art in this field, Hoechstetter includes geomorphology, which, so far relatively independently of the landscape metrics of landscape ecology, has developed its own parameters for describing relief.
More or less “on the side”, Hoechstetter provides an overview of the national and international state of the art in landscape structure analysis, of how the subject matter relates to landscape ecology and landscape research, and of the roots of the German and North American “schools.”
The LandMetrics-3D tool should also be mentioned, which enable the indices developed to be used. The author collaborated on its development in the context of the project financed by the German Research Foundation. With the aid of this tool, the metrics could be used for neutral, simulated landscapes and subsequently for test areas in Saxony and Baden-Württemberg and their behaviour tested in landscapes of differing relief.
In the concluding section Sebastian Hoechstetter critically discusses the results obtained and the subject matter of landscape metrics.
Hoechstetter’s study makes an important contribution to progress in this area of research – also in the international context. This is evidenced by the innovative approaches he has developed and which he presents in exemplary fashion. He has thus provided not only a comprehensive treatment of the current status of research but has also led the way in a topical line of research in the analysis of landscape structure. In particular, Hoechstetter points to concrete potential for further research into ecological gradients.
Over and above this, the work shows the need and potential for application in the fields of planning, landscape ecology, and nature conservation. It is clear that there are practical applications for landscape metrics and that the methods he has developed are not merely a theoretical construct.
I am certain that the work will gain widespread acclaim.
Dr. Ulrich Walz
Acting Head of the Research Area “Development and Management of Landscapes” Leibniz Institute of Ecological and Regional Development, Dresden
