Recently I have tried to run Maxent (GIS software) to describe the potential distribution of an animal species using only raster data. As far as I know, this software only works with raster (ASC) inputs due to the numerical variable associated to each pixel.
However, I think that the categorical data represented by vectorial layers (soil or vegetation types) can sometimes affect more to the distribution of the species rather than some numerical ones (raster layers).
I would want to know if there is any procedure to use this categorical variables in this software, or if there is another program to work with this kind of information.
Thank you very much in advance!
You can choose a Categorical/Continuous type in the environmental variables in Maxent based on your data and purpose.
You have to label within the software by tic for each environmental variable separately whether it is a categorical (vector) or a continuous variable.
The challenge may be how to make the vector/polygon layers spatially compatible with the continuous raster layers. Also the number of categories/legend units is not a mundane issue.
For examples and reflections on the merits of vector versus raster layers, please have a look at our publications on RG (e.g. keyword Majella).
Article Where the bears roam in Majella National Park, Italy
Yes, Maxent can use both categorical and continuous variables. Your vector data can also be converted to raster data and vice versa with the option of choosing the appropriate pixel size for your output raster. This can be performed using multiple softwares (e.g. QGIS).
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