Abstract
Does DEM Resolution Affect Vector Ruggedness Measure Results?
Track: Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management
Author(s): Daniel Olson
In 2007, Sappington et al. developed an Arcscript to evaluate landscape ruggedness called the Vector Ruggedness Measure (VRM). Using VRM, a raster layer of ruggedness values can be created from a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Because DEM values are the basis for all VRM calculations, a DEM’s resolution could affect model output, with higher resolution DEMs generating less biased estimates of ruggedness. Additionally, the effect may be more pronounced when VRM is used to evaluate habitat-use for species that require rugged terrain. To date, the influence of DEM resolution on VRM values has not been explored. In ArcGIS 9.2, we created VRM models from 4 DEM resolutions (5-90 m) for 2 mountain ranges inhabited by bighorn sheep. We used random locations and bighorn sheep locations to examine the effect of DEM resolution on ruggedness values. Our results provide VRM users insight into potential biases created by various DEM resolutions.
Daniel Olson
Utah State University
5230 Old Main Hill, NR 206
Logan , Utah 84322-5230
United States
Phone: 801-636-6017
E-mail: dolson22@gmail.com