Handbook of Spatial Point-Pattern Analysis in Ecology

About this book

Although numerous statistical methods for analyzing spatial point patterns have been available for several decades, they haven't been extensively applied in an ecological context. Addressing this gap, Handbook of Spatial Point-Pattern Analysis in Ecology shows how the techniques of point-pattern analysis are useful for tackling ecological problems. Within an ecological framework, Handbook of Spatial Point Pattern Analysis in Ecology guides readers through a variety of methods for different data types and aids in the interpretation of the results obtained by point-pattern analysis.

Ideal for empirical ecologists who want to avoid advanced theoretical literature, Handbook of Spatial Point Pattern Analysis in Ecology covers statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting the information contained in ecological patterns. It presents methods used to extract information hidden in spatial point-pattern data that may point to the underlying processes. The authors focus on point processes and null models that have proven their immediate utility for broad ecological applications, such as cluster processes.

Along with the techniques, the handbook provides a comprehensive selection of real-world examples. Most of the examples are analyzed using Programita, a continuously updated software package based on the authors' many years of teaching and collaborative research in ecological point-pattern analysis. Programita is tailored to meet the needs of real-world applications in ecology. The software and a manual are available online.

Contents

Application of Spatial Statistics in Ecology
Analysis of Spatial Patterns

Fundamentals of Point-Pattern Analysis
Fundamental Steps of Point-Pattern Analyses
Data
Summary Statistics
Null Models and Point-Process Models
Methods to Compare Data and Point-Process Models
Dealing with Heterogeneous Patterns

Estimators and Toolbox
Estimators of Summary Statistics
Replicate Patterns
Superposition of Point Processes
Toolbox

Examples
Analysis of Univariate Patterns
Analysis of Bivariate Patterns
Analysis of Multivariate Patterns
Analysis of Qualitatively Marked Patterns
Analysis of Quantitatively Marked Patterns
Analysis of Objects with Finite Size

A Course Outline Based on the Book
Introduction
Analysis of Univariate Patterns
Analysis of Bivariate Patterns
Analysis of Qualitatively Marked Patterns
Analysis of Quantitatively Marked Patterns
Analysis of Objects of Finite Size and Real Shape

Frequently Used Symbols

Glossary

References

Index

Customer Reviews