Track: Modeling
FRAGSTATS*ARC: Integrating ArcInfo with the FRAGSTATS Landscape Structure Analysis Program
Dr. Joseph BerryDavid Buckley , Dr. Kevin McGarigal
Recently developed landscape analysis programs, such as FRAGSTATS, characterize the shape, pattern, and fragmentation of vegetation elements spatially depicted as individual patches, classes of individual patches, and entire landscape sets. Communication between these programs and ArcInfo has been left to end users and requires considerable programming knowledge of the disparate systems' syntax, file types/formats, custom conversion programs, and operating system procedures. The intimidating and confusing "mechanics" of the linkage has severely limited the effective use of landscape analysis in natural resource management. This paper describes an ArcInfo application that integrates the FRAGSTATS Spatial Pattern/Structure program in an intuitive desktop interface focused at use by natural resource specialists with limited ArcInfo experience. The FRAGSTATS*ARC desktop is organized into data preparation tools, FRAGSTATS program operation, and display and review of output metrics. The output data tables are seamlessly linked to ArcInfo. A wizard-type approach has been implemented to help walk users through the execution of the FRAGSTATS program, in particular the definition of appropriate parameters for selected indices. The development approach allows users to concentrate on model results and management implications rather than on the mechanics of the analytical procedures. This paper will review the issues and methodologies involved in integrating external models with ArcInfo focusing on the FRAGSTATS program. Design principles and required capabilities will be reviewed. Examples will be presented that illustrate the effectiveness of the integration. Priorities for future development will also be presented.
Dr. Joseph Berry
Berry & Associates
2000 S. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
USA
Telephone: 970-490-2155
Fax: 970-490-2300
E-mail: jberry@innovativegis.com