Work

Ecological Diversity in Hillsborough County, Florida: Correlations between Landscape Metrics and Socio-demographic Variables

Year: 2013

Type: dissertation

Abstract: Landscape metrics, a means of quantifying landscape attributes, are frequently used in landscape ecology to describe the spatial characteristics of a landscape, but they have been less often used in anthropology. Using geographic information system (GIS) software, this study tests a method that investigates statistical correlations between groundcover landscape metrics and socio-demographic variables in Hillsborough County, Florida. Statistically significant correlations were found, illustrating the potential utility of this exploratory method. Wealthier areas with fewer ethnic minorities tend to be more fragmented and diverse in terms of groundcover; these areas also tend to have a lower percentage of impervious surfaces. The method of analysis is critiqued and applications for the results are discussed with the hope that they might help guide municipal planners in designing better urban communities.

Source: Digital Commons - University of South Florida (University of South Florida)

Author: David J. Godfrey

Language: English

Topic: Land Use and Ecosystem Services

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Sustainable cities and communities, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W186722463

Cites: 64

Cited by:

Related to: 10