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aijc = core area (m2) of patch ij based on specified edge depths (m). aij = area (m2) of patch ij. |
| Description | CAI equals the patch core area (m2) divided by total patch area (m2), multiplied by 100 (to convert to a percentage); in other words, CAI equals the percentage of a patch that is core area. |
| Units | Percent |
| Range | 0 ≦ CAI < 100 CAI = 0 when CORE = 0 (i.e., every location within the patch is within the specified depth-of-edge distance(s) from the patch perimeter); that is, when the patch contains no core area. CAI approaches 100 when the patch, because of size, shape, and edge width, contains mostly core area. |
| Comments | Core area index is a relative index that quantifies core area as a percentage of patch area (i.e., the percentage of the patch that is comprised of core area). |
