Implicit reconstruction of patch dynamics from single‐date aerial photographs: mutuality and complementarity in pattern change

Abstract

A new concept of implicit (hypothetical) reconstruction of patch pattern dynamics from single‐date photography is presented, based on gradients in the surface properties reflected by spatial variation in photographic brightness. Changes in the characteristics of patch patterns formed, follow generalized relationships of mutuality and complementarity between fragmentation and shape distribution. Utilizing two images from the beginning and the end of the fragmentation processes may provide a full implicit description of patch pattern dynamics.