 |
nijc = number of disjunct core areas in patch ij based on specified edge depths (m). A = total landscape area (m2). |
| Description | DCAD equals the sum of number of disjunct core areas contained within each patch of the corresponding patch type, divided by total landscape area (m2), multiplied by 10,000 and 100 (to convert to 100 hectares). Note, total landscape area (A) includes any internal background present. |
| Units | Number per 100 hectares |
| Range | DCAD ≥ 0, without limit. DCAD = 0 when TCA = 0 (i.e., every location within patches of the corresponding patch type are within the specified depth-of-edge distance(s) from the patch perimeters); in other words, when there are no core areas. |
| Comments | Disjunct core area density, like its counterpart, patch density (PD),expresses number of disjunct core areas on a per unit area basis that facilitates comparisons among landscapes of varying size. Of course, if total core area is held constant, then disjunct core area density and number of disjunct core areas convey the same information. |
