Investigating the structure of star-forming regions using INDICATE

The ability to make meaningful comparisons between theoretical and observational data of star-forming regions is key understanding the star formation process. In this paper we test performance INDICATE, a new method quantify clustering tendencies individual stars in region, on synthetic with sub-structured, smooth, centrally concentrated distributions. INDICATE quantifies amount stellar affiliation each star, also determines whether above random expectation for region question. We show that cannot be used overall structure due degeneracy when applied different geometries. detect differences local surface density its mass segregation. then compare it other methods such as segregation ratio $\Lambda_{\rm{MSR}}$, $\Sigma_{\rm{LDR}}$ cumulative distribution positions. detects significant most massive they are at centre distribution, corresponding areas greater density. When subset 50 can signals apply following nearby regions: Taurus, ONC, NGC 1333, IC 348 $\rho$ Ophiuchi find diverse range these regions.