Forest inventory and stratified estimation: a cautionary note

Abstract

The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program uses stratified estimation techniques to produce estimates of forest attributes. Stratification must be unbiased and stratification procedures should be examined to identify any potential bias. This note explains simple techniques for identifying potential bias, discriminating between sample bias and stratification bias, and determining the magnitude of the effect of stratification bias on forest area estimates. The key recommendation is that checks and balances should be incorporated into the FIA processing system to reduce the likelihood of bias caused by stratification.

Citation

Coulston, John. 2008. Forest inventory and stratified estimation: a cautionary note. Res. Note SRS-16. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 8 p.