The effects of spatial scale on Konza landscape classification using textural analysis

TitleThe effects of spatial scale on Konza landscape classification using textural analysis
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1989
AuthorsNellis, MD, Briggs, JM
JournalLandscape Ecology
Volume2
Pagination93 -100
Accession NumberKNZ00247
Keywordstallgrass prairie
Abstract

Spatial scale is inherent in the definition of landscape hererogeneity and diversity. For example, a landscape may appear heterogenous at one scale but not quite homogeneous at another scale. In assessing the impact of burning and grazing on the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area (a tallgrass prairie), spatial scale is extremely important. Textural contrast algorithms were applied to various scales of remote sensing data and related to landscape units for assessment of heterogeneity under a variety of burning treatments. Acquired data sets included Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS), with 80 m resolution, Landsat thematic mapper (TM), with 30 m resolution, and high resolution density sliced aerial photography (with a 5 m resolution). Results suggest that heterogeneous areas of dense patchiness (e.g., unburned areas) must be analyzed at a finer scale than more homogeneous areas which are burned at least every four years. Key words: spatial scale, textural analysis, tallgrass prairie, remote sensing, landscape ecology, Kansas

DOI10.1007/BF00137153