ABSTRACT
A B I G A I L M. N O L A N , P E T E R M . A T K I N S O N A N D J A ME S M . B U L L O C K
This chapter presents the results of an object-based analysis of the spatial dynamics of heathlands in Dorset, England undertaken using Geographical Information System (GIS) . The long-term aim o f the research is to examine the ecological dynamics o f heathland at the individual patch level to produce a statistical predictive model of heathland dynamics . This model should provide a simple set of guidelines for use by heathland managers. This chapter outlines the first stage in producing this model, involving both cell-based and patch-based approaches to examining heathland change.
