Calculating Visual Interaction Probabilities for Animals Using Space–Time Prisms and Visibility Analysis

ABSTRACT Probabilistic space–time prisms (PSTPs) offer a method for calculating probabilities of interaction between two or more individuals. Previously, PSTP methods have been used to calculate probabilities of being colocated or meeting in space. However, other types of interaction are ecologically important to organisms, as interaction can be physical or proximal. In this paper, we develop protocols for using PSTPs to calculate proximal and visual interactions, defined using both distance‐based intervals and visibility analysis. First, PSTPs for multiple individuals with overlapping tracking intervals are generated. Second, equations are used to quantify the probabilities of proximity or visibility between pairs of locations in their respective space–time disks. Probabilities are calculated for each pair of potential locations for the individuals and then can be summarized by time step or aggregated across different temporal scales. We demonstrate the approach using tracking data for 11 pairs, or dyads, of ducks tracked over hour‐long time periods. The results offer insights into how to visualize and interpret proximal and visual interactions of animals.