Correction for slope in point and transect relascope sampling of downed coarse woody debris

Goran Stahl; Anna Ringvall; Jeffrey Gove; Mark J. Ducey

Treesearch

Correction for slope in point and transect relascope sampling of downed coarse woody debris

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Goran Stahl, Anna Ringvall, Jeffrey Gove, Mark J. Ducey

Year:

2002

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

Forest Science. 48(1): 85-92.

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Abstract

In this article, the effect of sloping terrain on estimates in point and transect relascope sampling (PRS and TRS, respectively) is studied. With these inventory methods, a wide angle relascope is used either from sample points (PRS) or along survey lines (TRS). Characteristics associated with line-shaped objects on the ground are assessed, e.g., the length or volume of downed logs. In their basic forms, the methods only work in flat terrain, and thus bias is incurred under sloping conditions. Two different possibilities to correct for bias due to slope are presented.

Keywords

angle gauge sampling, bias, Bitterlich sampling, correction factor, forest inventory, line intercept sampling

Citation

Stahl, Goran; Ringvall, Anna; Gove, Jeffrey H.; Ducey, Mark J. 2002. Correction for slope in point and transect relascope sampling of downed coarse woody debris. Forest Science. 48(1): 85-92.