Voxel-based probabilistic space-time prisms for analysing animal movements and habitat use

Abstract

Time-geographic analysis has been limited in the past by its capacity to model only potential locations for moving objects, without sufficiently evaluating which locations are more probable. This paper expands upon existing research in probabilistic time geography by accomplishing two main tasks. First, a new geocomputational approach is presented for generating probabilistic space-time prisms. Here, probabilistic space-time prisms are represented as three-dimensional rasters of volume elements, or voxels, that record the probability that an object was located at any location at any time. After describing the geocomputational approach, its utility is illustrated through a detailed analysis of tracking data collected for a Muscovy duck (Cairina mochata). Specifically, probabilistic space-time prisms are used to map the duck’s fine-scale movement patterns over five complete days of global positioning system (GPS)-tracking. Then, the space-time prisms are used in conjunction with a detailed habitat map of the study area in order to quantify the duck’s habitat usage over the course of each day. This application highlights the utility of probabilistic space-time prisms for understanding the movements and activities of animals at fine temporal and spatial scales.

Keywords:

• mobile objects
• spatial analysis
• landscape ecology

Acknowledgements

Portions of this research were funded by grants made to the authors from the National Science Foundation (NSF) [grant number BCS-1062947 (Downs); grant number BCS-1062924 (Horner)). The contents of this article are the responsibility of the authors and do not reflect the views of the NSF. The research was also supported by the University of South Florida (USF) College of Arts and Science Internal Awards Program. Animal handling was in accordance with USF IACUC permit #3955 W and Permit # EXOT-11-247 from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The authors also thank James H. Anderson Jr. for producing the habitat map used in this research.