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pij = perimeter (m) of patch ij. aij = area (m2) of patch ij. |
| Description | PARA equals the ratio of the patch perimeter (m) to area (m2). |
| Units | None |
| Range | PARA > 0, without limit. |
| Comments | Perimeter-area ratio is a simple measure of shape complexity, but without standardization to a simple Euclidean shape (e.g., square). A problem with this metric as a shape index is that it varies with the size of the patch. For example, holding shape constant, an increase in patch size will cause a decrease in the perimeter-area ratio. |
