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Least-cost modeling is an increasingly popular method used to measure the effectivedistance between habitat patches and to assess the connectivity of existing landscapesor potential reserves. For least-cost models to be reliable and credible, however,the validity of input data mustbe demonstrated. Least-cost modelers must also exercise extreme cautionwhen using any GIS-based analysis of this kind. Technical issues associated withthe raster-based representation of spatial data may introduce errors in otherwisecorrect data that nullify results. In this paper, I address the potential presenceof "cracks" in the resistance inputlayer of least-cost modeling exercises. Cracks result when narrow, costlyfeatures, such as roads or train tracks, are represented in raster form. Thesecracks lead to the erroneous identification of nonexistent "shortcuts"across truly expensive barriers. In this paper, I use a hypothetical exampleto explain resistance-layer cracks, how they occur, and the errors they generatewith respect to least-cost modeling. I then present a simple algorithm to revealthe location of cracks and one approach to filling the cracks. Finally, thesemethods are demonstrated on a real data set in which more than 1% of the rastercells are shown to be cracks. The negative repercussions of faulty resistancelayers when conducting least-cost modeling can not be overstated. On the onehand, unimportant or nonexistent least-cost paths on a landscape may be mislabeledas important. As a result, conservation resources committed to protecting these pathswill be wasted. Conversely, truly critical corridors may be overlooked, jeopardizingthe organisms that rely on them

Finding and Filling the "Cracks" In Resistance Surfaces for Least-cost Modeling