multifit: an R function for multi-scale analysis in landscape ecology

Abstract

Multi-scale analyses are a common approach in landscape ecology. Their aim is to find the appropriate spatial scale for a particular landscape attribute in order to perform a correct interpretation of results and conclusions. I present an R function that performs statistical analysis relating a biological response with a landscape attribute at a set of specified spatial scales and extracts the statistical strength of the models through a specified criterion index. Also, it draws a plot with the value of these indexes, allowing the user to choose the most appropriate spatial scale. This paper introduces the usage of multifit and demonstrates its functionality through a case study. The spatial scale at which ecologists conduct studies may change study outcomes and conclusions. Because of this, landscape ecologists commonly conduct multi-scale studies in order to establish an appropriate spatial scale for particular biological or ecological responses. The tool presented here allows ecologists to simultaneously run several statistical models for a response variable and a specified set of spatial scales, automating the process of multi-scale analysis.