Learning landscape ecology: a practical guide to concepts and techniques

This book meets a demand for training in spatial analysis tools. Much of the strength of landscape ecology lies in its ability to address challenges over large areas, over spatial and temporal scales at which decision-making often occurs. As the world tackles issues related to sustainability and global change, the need for this broad perspective has increased. Furthermore, spatial data and spatial analyses (core methods in landscape ecology) are critical for analyzing land-cover changes worldwide. While spatial dynamics have long been fundamental to terrestrial conservation strategies, land management, and reserve design, mapping and spatial themes are increasingly recognized as important for ecosystems management in aquatic, coastal, and marine systems. --

and Concepts of Scale -- Scale and Hierarchy Theory -- Collecting Spatial Data at Broad Scales -- to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) -- Models and Causes of Landscape Pattern -- to Markov Models -- Simulating Changes in Landscape Pattern -- Creating Landscape Pattern -- Quantifying Landscape Pattern -- Understanding Landscape Metrics I -- Understanding Landscape Metrics II -- Neutral Landscape Models -- Scale Detection Using Semivariograms and Autocorrelograms -- Disturbance Dynamics -- Landscape Disturbance -- Alternative Stable States -- Organism Response to Landscape Pattern -- Interpreting Landscape Patterns from Organism-Based Perspectives -- Landscape Context -- Landscape Connectivity and Metapopulation Dynamics -- Individual-Based Modeling -- Ecosystem Processes at Broad Scales -- Feedbacks between Organisms and Ecosystem Processes -- Modeling Ecosystem Processes -- Applied Landscape Ecology -- Reserve Design -- Prioritizing Reserves for Acquisition.