L4_Urban Land Cover Heterogeneity_post (1)

Black box

A system whose operations are not visible or transparent, often used to describe complex urban systems.

Biological ecosystem concept

A framework for understanding ecosystems that includes interactions between organisms and their physical environment.

Spatial heterogeneity

Variation across space in at least one variable of interest within an ecosystem or landscape.

Abiotic factors

Non-living physical and chemical elements in the environment that affect ecosystems, such as water and climate.

Biotic factors

Living components of ecosystems, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, that influence ecological interactions.

Heterogeneity,

The quality or state of being diverse in character or content; in ecology, it often refers to the variability in structure or composition of habitats.

PRIZM classification

A marketing segmentation system that classifies census block groups based on demographic and economic factors.

Ecotope mapping

A method of classifying ecological units based on specific environmental conditions and species.

Land use vs. Land cover

Land use is the purpose for which land is managed (e.g., residential, agricultural), whereas land cover describes the physical material (e.g., vegetation, buildings) on the land's surface.

HERCULES classification

A classification system that describes urban spatial heterogeneity using land cover criteria in ecological studies.

Ecological processes

Natural processes that occur within ecosystems, such as nutrient cycling, energy flow, and species interactions.

Built complex

Man-made structures and infrastructures that form part of an urban or suburban environment.

Input-Output model

A framework that highlights the inputs (resources) and outputs (consumables/waste) of an ecological system.

Pixel-based approach

A method of analyzing landscapes by interpreting square units (pixels) to derive information for classification.

Patch-based approach

A classification technique that examines relatively homogeneous areas (patches) within landscapes for analysis.

Urban heterogeneity

The diversity and variability of land use, structures, and ecological functions found in urban landscapes.

Disturbance

A temporary change in environmental conditions that causes a pronounced change in an ecosystem, influencing species and habitat.

Policy impacts on ecosystems

The effects that governance and regulations have on ecological systems and their management.

Tapestry classification

A demographic segmentation tool used to identify consumer markets in the U.S. based on demographic and lifestyle characteristics.

Land cover classifications

Systems for categorizing land based on its physical characteristics, such as vegetation types and urban development.