Efficiency and precision for estimating timber and non-timber attributes using Landsat-based stratification methods in two-phase sampling in northwest California

Abstract

Three Landsat TM-based GIS layers were evaluated as alternatives to conventional, photointerpretation-based stratification of FIA field plots. Estimates for timberland area, timber volume, and volume of down wood were calculated for California's North Coast Survey Unit of 2.5 million hectares. The estimates were compared on the basis of standard errors, conformance to FIA accuracy standards, and gain in precision achieved by stratification relative to simple random sampling and to conventional photointerpretation. Some satellite imagery-based approaches were found to be far less costly than the conventional method, with very little sacrifice in precision.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the third annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; 2001 October 17-19; Traverse City, Michigan

Citation

Kaartinen, Antti T.; Fried, Jeremy S.; Dunham, Paul A. 2002. Efficiency and precision for estimating timber and non-timber attributes using Landsat-based stratification methods in two-phase sampling in northwest California. In: McRoberts, Ronald E.; Reams, Gregory A.; Van Deusen, Paul C.; Moser, John W., eds. Proceedings of the Thrid Annual Forest Inventory and Analysis Symposium; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-230. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station: 69-79