Line plot survey

Line plot survey is a systematic way of laying out sample plots in a forest inventory that uses a rectangular grid arrangement. It is also used for an application of systematic sampling, similar to statistical properties as random sampling, but often easier to carry out. [ Aver,T.E. and H.E. Burkhart. 2002. Forest Measurements. 5th ed. Mcgraw-hill. New York. 456 p.]

Method

The method is used for forest inventories to estimate the volume standing in a forested tract. The way inventory specialists use it is to set up a line or bearing on their hand compass and determine how many plots they would like to take on this survey line. This is done by determining the distance between survey lines (B), and the distance between plots (D), and the amount of acreage (A) that is in the tract which sets up into a formula that tells them how many plots they have to take to cover the entire tract, $n=\; frac\{A\; imes\; 10\}\{B\; imes\; D\}$. The survey started in a random distance by picking two random numbers between [0 and B] and [0 and D] for the 1st plot and line location. Then pace out the length to their first plot where they will record the data they would like to have and store it. Once they reach the end of their transect inventory specialist then turn 90° (degrees) and continue on to their next transect.

Uses

The main reason it is used is to make sure the inventory specialists can get an even outlay and see everything in the forested tract. Inventory specialists use it to also get a rough estimate of the tract or stands attributes.

Examples

Some examples of this are stand regeneration surveys to access what is growing in a forest. Transect azimuth of 300° (degrees) making their plots one chain apart and the size of their plot will be one tenth acre and measuring everything in the one tenth acre plot then maybe walking four chains to the next plot while still on the 300° (degree) bearing.

References

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