FRAGSTATS is a computer software program designed to compute a wide variety of landscape metrics for categorical map patterns. We utilized this program to look at land use change in Edmonton, Alberta. It allowed us to measure metrics such as fragmentation, the amount of edges, total core areas (which take into account an imposed buffer to account for edge effect), and the number of disjunct core areas. We also looked at the diversity of patches using Shannon’s Diversity Index and Shannon’s Evenness Index. I wrote a report focusing on how land use change might affect Edmonton’s biodiversity.
Executive Summary
This report analyzes how land use changed between 1966 (Map 1) and 1976 (Map 2) in Edmonton, Alberta, specifically looking at how this change may have impacted biodiversity in this region. Results (Table 1) demonstrate that in both years cropland covered just under half of total land coverage. Urban built-up areas spread in 1976 contributing to fragmentation of various habitat, in particular productive woodland area (Map 3). While wetlands in both years covered a very small proportion, their decline in 1976 is a notable loss for biodiversity of this region. The loss of cropland yet increase in urban-built up area could be seen as a shifting economy, placing more importance on understanding how urban sprawl will affect the biodiversity of this region.
