The application of mathematical ecology and spatial clustering analysis techniques to hailpad measurements

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of the assumption of randomness in regards to the application of the Poisson distribution to impacts on a hailpad. This research applies a number of methods for the exploration and modelling of spatial point patterns. These methods go beyond the conventional nearest-neighbour and quadrat analyses typical to Mathematical Ecology because they fail to allow for spatial variation in population density. First and second-order properties will be investigated using both distance-based and area-based techniques.

The R language an environment for statistical computing and graphics will be used to perform the analysis.