Computing changes in regular square grids: towards integration of pixel and edge level analyses

The aim of the paper is to introduce appropriate tools for quantifying the changes occurred at edge level when analyzing land cover changes. The research is conducted in two directions. Firstly, the binary change index at edge level is introduced and its relationship to the already existing binary change edge (computed at pixel level) is studied. It is proved that a certain inequality between the values of the two indices holds. The theoretical part is completed with real-world examples. The second direction investigated in the paper is the possibility of applying Markov type models, a basic tool in land cover change analysis, in quantifying the changes occurred at edge level. This combined approach is illustrated by a case study and it is shown that it provides complementary information related to the spatial extension of the land cover types and to their distribution. Thus, this type of analysis can improve the methodology of measuring the extent and the implications of land cover changes.