Research into the sensitivity of fragmentation metrics

森林和景观的破碎化正在通过景观生态学和森林资源清查中的破碎化度量(景观度量)来量化。这些指标基于可测量的属性，如面积和周长。它们被用作大面积生物多样性评估和监测的业务指标。碎片化度量的计算对以下因素很敏感：(1)空间分辨率(水平和垂直)、(2)类别和(3)边缘清晰度和(4)地形。本研究的目的是通过分析碎片化指标对上述因素的敏感度来提高碎片化指标的可解释性。当要比较指标(来自不同地区或来自同一地区的不同时间点)时，这一点尤其重要。在拟议的研究中，首先将在理论几何基础上进行模拟研究。然后，重点放在哥斯达黎加零散的森林景观上，这些景观将根据遥感图像(包括德国新雷达卫星TerraSAR-X的DLR数据)和实地数据进行分析。将详细说明应用实例(与研究地点内的生物多样性数据的关系；以及对碎片化指标的时间序列的分析)。已商定与哥斯达黎加的合作伙伴IS(CATIE和UNA)密切合作。这项研究有一个方法重点；研究结果适用于任何土地覆盖类别。

Forest- and landscape fragmentation is being quantified by fragmentation metrics (landscape metrics) in landscape ecology and forest inventory. These metrics base upon measurable attributes such as area and perimeter length. They are used as operational indicators for large area biodiversity assessment and monitoring. Calculation of fragmentation metrics is sensitive to factors like (1) spatial resolution (horizontal and vertical), (2) class- and (3) edge-definition and (4) topography. It is contended that fragmentation metrics need to be interpreted in the context of their sensitivity to these factors.Objective of the proposed study is to improve the interpretability of fragmentation metrics through analysing their sensitivity to the above factors. This is of particular importance when metrics are to be compared (either from different regions or from the same region at different points in time). In the proposed study, at first simulation studies will be carried out on theoretical geometrical grounds. Then, focus is then on fragmented forest landscapes in Costa Rica that will be analysed from remote sensing imagery (including DLR data of the new German radar satellite TerraSAR-X) and field data. Application examples will be elaborated (relationship to biodiversity data within the study sites; and analysis of time series of fragmentation metrics).Close cooperation with Costa Rican partners is (CATIE and UNA) is agreed. The study has a methodological focus; findings apply to any land cover class.