Graduation Year
2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.A.
Degree Granting Department
Anthropology
Major Professor
Lorena Madrigal
Keywords
Anthropology, Environment, GIS, Impervious, Socioeconomic
Abstract
Landscape metrics, a means of quantifying landscape attributes, are frequently used in landscape ecology to describe the spatial characteristics of a landscape, but they have been less often used in anthropology. Using geographic information system (GIS) software, this study tests a method that investigates statistical correlations between groundcover landscape metrics and socio-demographic variables in Hillsborough County, Florida. Statistically significant correlations were found, illustrating the potential utility of this exploratory method. Wealthier areas with fewer ethnic minorities tend to be more fragmented and diverse in terms of groundcover; these areas also tend to have a lower percentage of impervious surfaces. The method of analysis is critiqued and applications for the results are discussed with the hope that they might help guide municipal planners in designing better urban communities.
Scholar Commons Citation
Godfrey, David, "Ecological Diversity in Hillsborough County, Florida: Correlations between Landscape Metrics and Socio-demographic Variables" (2013). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/4492
Included in
Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Land Use Law Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons
