Geographic information systems. A new approach to habitat definition and the study of distributions

J R Haslett

doi:10.1016/0169-5347(90)90134-Y

Geographic information systems. A new approach to habitat definition and the study of distributions

Trends Ecol Evol. 1990 Jul;5(7):214-8. doi: 10.1016/0169-5347(90)90134-Y.

Author

J R Haslett¹

Affiliation

¹ John Haslett is at the Institute of Zoology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria; National Park Administration, Doktorberg 6, D-8240 Berchtesgaden, FRG.

PMID: 21232358
DOI: 10.1016/0169-5347(90)90134-Y

Abstract

The recent development of computerized Geographic Information Systems, particularly those based on 'vector models', has provided ecologists with a facility for dividing areas of heterogeneous habitat into clearly defined, biologically meaningful subunits. These units, or 'polygons', provide an alternative framework to the more traditional grid system for a variety of types of study.