| Abstract: | The SADIE methodology has recently been developed to quangify spatial patterns, particularly in determining the randomness of observed patterns, estimating patches and gaps, and quangifying correlation between species. We used argificially generated data sets to investigate the relationship of the SADIE pattern and association statistics with patch number and spatial positions of the patches. Results showed that SADIE statistics are critically dependent on the absolute positions of quadrat counts, and not just on their relative positions. In particular, degree of patchiness increased as the patch was displaced away from the centre. Therefore, the dependence of SADIE statistics on absolute sampling positions should be taken into consideration when using and interpreting SADIE-based results. |
