Application of the Total Operating Characteristic

Robert Gilmore Pontius, Clark University

Abstract

This chapter uses the Total Operating Characteristic (TOC) and empirical maps to describe the gain of the Built category during each of two time intervals in relation to two independent variables: initial land cover and distance from initial Built. The TOC curve shows that Built’s gain during the first time interval is more intensive on the initial Barren category and nearer the initial Built. Area Under the Curve values indicate the relationships are weaker during the second time interval, when Built’s gain is more intensive on the initial Barren category and farther from the initial Built.