FRAGSTATS CONCEPTUAL BACKGROUND

Landscape Pattern Metrics


This document provides a brief overview of landscape pattern metrics as they are commonly applied in landscape ecology, as well as some key terms and concepts essential to using FRAGSTATS and quantifying landscape patterns. An understanding of the material in this section is prerequisite to the proper use of FRAGSTATS.


INTRODUCTION


WHAT IS A LANDSCAPE?


CLASSES OF LANDSCAPE PATTERN


PATCH-CORRIDOR-MATRIX MODEL


THE IMPORTANCE OF SCALE


LANDSCAPE CONTEXT


PERSPECTIVES ON CATEGORICAL MAP PATTERNS


PATCHES & PATCHINESS: LEVELS OF LANDSCAPE METRICS


LANDSCAPE METRICS


STRUCTURAL VERSUS FUNCTIONAL METRICS


LIMITATIONS IN THE USE AND INTERPRETATION OF METRICS


LITERATURE CITED