Spatial surface-pattern analyses and boundary detection techniques applied in forest ecology
Abstract
We review methods for uni- and multivariate surface pattern analysis and boundary detection used in forest ecology. A continuous surface pattern is defined as the locations of points (trees) in the space and the associated variable or variables. We illustrate useful methods to describe spatial patterns and infer the generating processes. We show the statistical basis and applied examples of univariate methods for binary (join counts) and quantitative variables (Moran and Geary correlograms, semivariograms, fractal dimension). We explain the calculus and interpretation of multivariate methods to describe surface patterns (Mantel test and correlogram) and their relationships with ordination methods. Finally, we show examples of techniques for boundary detection. Most analysed patterns corresponded to Pinus uncinata forests from the upper altitudinal limit in the Pyrenees or from a relict population. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology and their applications in forest ecology.Downloads
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