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STAMP: spatial–temporal analysis of moving polygons

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Abstract

Research questions regarding temporal change in spatial patterns are increasingly common in geographical analysis. In this research, we explore and extend an approach to the spatial–temporal analysis of polygons that are spatially distinct and experience discrete changes though time. We present five new movement events for describing spatial processes: displacement, convergence, divergence, fragmentation and concentration. Spatial–temporal measures of events for size and direction are presented for two time periods, and multiple time periods. Size change metrics are based on area overlaps and a modified cone-based model is used for calculating polygon directional relationships. Quantitative directional measures are used to develop application specific metrics, such as an estimation of the concentration parameter for a von Mises distribution, and the directional rate of spread. The utility of the STAMP methods are demonstrated by a case study on the spread of a wildfire in northwestern Montana.

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Acknowledgements

This project was funded by the Government of Canada through the Mountain Pine Beetle Initiative, a 6 year, $40 million Program administered by Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service. Publication does not necessarily signify that the contents of this report reflect the views or policies of Natural Resources Canada–Canadian Forest Service. We would also like to thank three anonymous reviewers for thoughtful comments and suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Spatial Pattern Analysis and Research (SPAR) Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Victoria, PO Box 3050, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P5, Canada

    Colin Robertson & Trisalyn A. Nelson

  2. Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada

    Barry Boots

  3. Canadian Forest Service (Pacific Forestry Centre), Natural Resources Canada, 506 West Burnside, Victoria, BC, V8Z 1M5, Canada

    Michael A. Wulder

Authors
  1. Colin Robertson
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  2. Trisalyn A. Nelson
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  3. Barry Boots
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  4. Michael A. Wulder
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Correspondence to Colin Robertson.

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Robertson, C., Nelson, T.A., Boots, B. et al. STAMP: spatial–temporal analysis of moving polygons. J Geograph Syst 9, 207–227 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10109-007-0044-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10109-007-0044-2

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