Landscape changes such as forest fragmentation and urbanization have direct and indirect impacts on a wide range of ecological processes. An important determinant of ecological impacts is the spatial pattern of natural resources within landscapes, particularly in relation to human land uses such as farming, infrastructure, and housing. Therefore, determining the status and trends in landscape patterns can be useful for understanding the condition of natural resources and potential risks posed by human activities. This project is focused on developing novel approaches to landscape pattern analysis and applying them at a national scale to support natural resource inventory, monitoring, and assessment.

Partners: USDA Forest Service Quantitative Science Staff, USDA Forest Service Forest Health Monitoring Program, US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, European Commission Joint Research Centre