| Landscape metrics, or numerical expressions of landscape pattern, represent a new synoptic approach for monitoring landscapes. Before this potential is realized, the sensitivity of landscape metrics to significant ecological changes must be assessed. Using Landsat images from 1994--1996, I examined changes of landscape metrics in reference to fires at the Camp Williams Army National Guard Training Facility in central Utah. Small "landscapes" were selected within three burn treatments: sites burned in 1995, sites burned in 1987, and sites unburned from 1970 to 1995. Each unburned "landscape" was matched to one or more burned "landscapes" based on topographic, edaphic and vegetational characteristics. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to study changes in landscape metric values between burn treatments. Abrupt changes were indicated by edge density, fractal dimension, and contagion. Despite unresolved issues in using this approach, it is simpler than other change detection techniques and represents a cost effective approach for monitoring landscapes. |
