Glossary

dataset

A CSV file containing at least three columns: coord_x, coord_y, and species (or any column specified with categorical_col config key instead). Column individuals (or alternative specified with quantity_col instead) is necessary for analysis #8 and optional for #1. See the datasets folder for examples.

encounter

Single observation within study grid.

extent

Maximum distance between quadrats using given metric.

grain

Smallest unit of observation, within context of seal: typically size of one quadrat in currently analysed grid.

level

n-th iteration of grid’s transformation for analysis.

quadrat

Rectangular subset of a study grid.

quadrat coordinates

x coordinate is quadrat’s transect number, y quadrat’s zone number. Remember that the numbering starts from 0.

quadrat list

A CSV file with list of quadrats in the study corresponding with dataset. Providing one is optional but recommended. Must contain the following fields: coord_x, coord_y; optional: quadrat_type. See the datasets/qlists folder for examples.

strategy

A set of study grid transformations to simulate multiple measurements with different grain and extent. Designed to answer questions like “How would analysis results differ if we only measured every 2^nd quadrat?” or “What would happen if we made quadrats larger and sparsely placed?”

study grid

Plot of land divided into independently surveyed parts. Usually referred to simply as “grid” in this documentation.

transect

A path along which the occurrence of objects is counted. Typically, either objects that intersect with the line marking the transect, or those within a certain distance from it, are counted. In the context of seal:, transects are defined as all quadrats sharing the same x-coordinate.

When certain strategies are applied, the grid is adjusted by connecting quadrats with the same x-coordinate, forming a new grid composed only of transects.

zone

Plot of land perpendicular to transect, typically all quadrats with same y coordinate.

Notation

\(l\)

Currently processed level.

\(L\)

Set of all analysed levels.

\(q_{2,0}\)

Quadrat at coordinates [2,0].

\(Q_{3,2}\)

Set of species encountered in \(q_{3,2}\).

\(t\)

Number of transects within input study grid.

\(t'\)

Number of transects within study grid post-transformation.

\(z\)

Number of zones within input study grid.