A fractal model of vegetation complexity in Alaska

✍ Scribed by Willem W.S. Hees

• Book ID: 104633483
• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1994
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 528 KB
• Volume: 9
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0921-2973
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00129238

✦ Synopsis

A methodology using fractals to measure vegetation complexity in three regions of Alaska is presented. Subjective, binomial (0 = simple, 1 = complex) classifications of the complexity of mapped vegetation polygon patterns within continuous forest inventory plots measured in the regions were made by interpreters of aerial photographs. The fractal dimensions of the vegetation patterns within the plots then were estimated. Subsequently, the subjective classifications of the photo-interpreted plots were regressed against fractal dimension by using logistic regression.

Assessment of interobserver agreement among the aerial photo interpreters, by using estimated unweighted Kappa coefficients, indicated substantial classification agreement among observers.

Examination of general versus regional applicability of the logistic models provided strong support for applicability of a single model to all three regions. The logistic model provides numerical identification of the division between simple and complex patterns. Possible applications beyond the needs of the study are discussed.