Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://knowledgecommons.lakeheadu.ca/handle/2453/289
Title: A Cartographic analysis of ecological boundary symbology
Authors: McColm, K. Lindsay
Keywords: Landscape ecology;Ecological mapping;Vegetation boundaries;Cartography;Environmental mapping
Issue Date: 10-Nov-2012
Abstract: Maps are used often in ecological boundary analysis. However, there is a lack of research concerning the relationship between ecological boundary research and the cartography of ecological boundaries. This multidisciplinary study analyzes the ecology, cartography, and philosophy of ecological boundaries. Background literature in these fields is reviewed to establish a holistic view of ecological boundaries. Ecological boundaries are observed in the Thunder Bay Centennial Botanical Conservatory. Observations are analyzed in a cartographic context using a new tool, the Ecological Boundary Symbology Matrix. The symbology matrix is a flexible research tool used for cartographic analysis. Guidelines for ecological boundary symbology are presented. A map series is constructed that incorporates strategies presented in the guidelines and reflects findings of the symbology matrix. Observations and matrix analysis established that ecological boundaries interact with a number of phenomena, described in this study as 'modes', which may not be limited by the boundary in the same way. The extent to which a boundary limits its modes depends on the spatial characteristics of that boundary and the characteristics of the modes. This means that ecological boundaries can be mapped in greater detail based on boundary-mode characteristics. New boundary terms based on observed boundary characteristics are presented including: definite boundary, indefinite boundary, perforated boundary, interface boundary, and medial boundary.
URI: http://knowledgecommons.lakeheadu.ca/handle/2453/289
metadata.etd.degree.discipline: Environmental Studies : Northern Environments & Cultures
metadata.etd.degree.name: M.E.S.
metadata.etd.degree.level: Master
metadata.dc.contributor.advisor: Randall, Todd
Wilson, William
metadata.dc.contributor.committeemember: Johnston, Margaret
Kemp, Dave
Appears in Collections:Electronic Theses and Dissertations from 2009

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
McColmKL2011m_1b.pdfPDF/A - 1b compliance5.91 MBAdobe PDFThumbnail
View/Open


Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.