In this analysis, we were required to determine suitability criteria, develop cost rasters, and use a corridor analysis to determine a suitable area for black bears to traverse back and forth between two protected forest habitats. I started by defining the problem, listing the factors, and developing a flow chart/model to complete the analysis.
I used the above model to reclassify the rasters based on established criteria. I then used a weighted overlay to create a cost raster. I then inverted the cost raster using the raster calculator tool and developed the subsequent model to finish analysis:
Using the above model, I was able to generate a corridor and using that data, I was able to create the map below.
Because I wanted there to be a theoretically optimum corridor based on the established criteria, I manually adjusted so I had the smallest possible connection between the two management areas and two additional buffers that were less optimal. The outcome did not yield a nice and easy result in which I could clearly establish the best possible route, but it did show that an optimal path from Coronado 2 could start from a broad area, but would ultimately funnel into a narrow entry point into Coronado 1. Human population, food, and slope could also be considered in an analysis such as this to help develop a more firm result, but this exercise helped me to have a much better understanding of the tools at our fingertips.
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