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United States 
Department of 
Agriculture 


Forest 
Service 


General 
Technical 
Re 
WO-54 


ee 


/ 


ly 3) 


~A Primer on Stand and 
Forest Inventory Designs 


USDA, National Agriouttural Library 


NAL Bldg 
40301 Baltimore Biva 
Reksviis, MD 90705-2381 


United States 
Department of 
Agriculture 


Forest 
Service 


General Technical 
Report WO-54 


September 1989 


A Primer on Stand and 
Forest Inventory 
Designs 


H. Gyde Lund 
and 
Charles E. Thomas 


The authors, both with the USDA Forest Service, are respectively Forester, Timber 
Management, Washington, DC, and Research Forester, Southern Forest Experiment 
Station, Institute for Quantitative Studies, New Orleans, LA. 


Acknowledgments 


The authors extend special thanks to Jim Brickell, Forester, 
USDA Forest Service (Region 1), Dr. Albert Stage (Inter- 
mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station), and Dr. 
Pieter De Vries, Wageningen Agricultural University, the 
Netherlands, who provided considerable statistical assis- 
tance in the development of this publication. The authors 
also gratefully acknowledge the many individuals who 
reviewed the manuscript and made valuable suggestions. 


Contents 


Page 

WVIRROMUMICEIONI erence cre cere cetera e cee e ooo oa rnc canes cost enbusucesinenteboncabesdee 6 
BSTC OME cneenseeietetett - bead cr ee es aie PeP ocr RE eee a a 6 
DAGPIDIM Ratertectcsnat eters cnetea stasis teen areeinee canst eta. avesscaranseacteswacwtanecuveveraesezanccctonss 11 
COLASSILICALION rr cee eee aE eee e ear eis ee oe ecaoee ri eeabeas 11 
REMOLerSelisI Qareessscrstccarstesssarctecssstesestretanssecscnerccecnbentnchetssantaccobepocesseony 11 
RESOUICERINVEMLONES recrnct it csec ccs rccereoeeec ce teo cs cree eee e toe cao b a otee eens elivesundeaeeasi 13 
RiGee atamCOlCCHOM rescore ere cree cece reseed ahtcs Pi lene caustnniiow 13 
ENMUMOLatlOMpeccrrer reese ccoccrccreae scorn neces cee cence ce races eae eee ane eeen tens een nee eeaes 13 
SAMI Saerraserersecee eet ce rere ee cecn: sere ks tes totese tener tee eden seer eine bones see enoey 13 
BIO cm PUraUlOMercae strc crste- tect occ eros soeere cease en seesenehekeoenceh enaccaereeeceess 15 
SAMIDIERSIZemeetcetrcstatecastaarerartectc rev ccueesestcesocgndea seule peeraao tio aas Tons beasaehovatoeen’ 15 
OSES eee Ne ee eee et rie eee SEE 16 
STAM IMVENTOG Verret ance ee aiace canes s a seebanraies soudsubonsles tedussteaseeesobatecebeeseeatetie 17 
PINOLE SUNN) SETITOL UN (cence nan ans anette etree oc irp e are ernst eer Bee arerrie Ht apie eeie ir 19 
RaAlGOla DA SciUE OMe ss mere eee re nese aeee bene ne eh es Re aoe baer ne 19 
STALISELC AM ESEITIALESTE ee eee cere oa oe eh sear es cates cou eane eae es 19 
GOSUESTIIM ALCS ers ecrerer cee eee ee ree renee a ease ehe tes eueootdaeens iteab este eaatnt 20 
DIGEST iasscacceaonoucceBeeedseebase Gad ECHEL OE ROR ECE Dac EE Seen C EERE ES eae sere ee racrs 20 
EiMeR I rAMSCC EAD ISUMOUTLON es ceeetecscetteeccsetacceiccne eases <neesasecentcansesevevsceevereeton: 20 
STATISHICAIMESCITI ALE See rere rere esterase creer eee Ee ae teem 21 
(COE SCTE EG OSE REBORN PACS nee 21 
DISCUSSION :cacecbsédscodsoenotasconcicHeGucHeC CHORE BEC ROBO CREE O LEC EEE SanCaeas corn tin ECE? 21 
RiCOCMetH OL LOCAL OMeestsersseosaes ees ne Pee ne eae nea aooscee So neuanctehoak vecenacceedacsentes 21 

SS EALISEUCAIMESUIMI AL Sys oe core ccm nnn sea ce cota ossasacecsctccuedssceccusnuans seveduuestonee 22, 
GOSTHEStIIMATCS Ite eerrar se cere ene eee cone ds eoa ba ce Uosdeibooersccnbascecueetsee 22 
DISCUSSION eeee cee crcae et ere eee naan sds sd bak seniussduusandaceck coteatensoeen D2. 
Systematic Distribution with a Random Start ............::cesseeeesseeeereeeeeseeeees 22 
STAtiSCiGAlREStibnaleSisessee- ates seece eee teeny -cosesesctvcoosseasnevsedossiod netacotensenees 23 
GOSISESTIT ALS oreee rene sene teat Scan ehcctoss eds te tens ta leensobeeccecesseredbedscciscetetenssant 23 

| DTSOUSST ONT H: caaseuthce ead tice Sonos ec acct Saree eee eee see eee ere bah 23 
Sime leplotmecceseee meses wen rere oe cnse nce h a we tSaE Les S02 oe, t Zecdestlacnees suasenuenerss 23 
SUSU TISE ECTH DEES ee cee eR Ree 23 
GOSTHESTITTI ALS tetera Nee eA SAS Fat ey ae sl Pe 23 
DISCUSSION eee error te rae area eee oe rn M La ers J orebed caved deacested soe eaee te 23 

NOS ROMMAGL Stenson ae orn Seman weet na ate 05 be rer oy sce RE ees 24 
StatiStiGalBEStinmatesne sie cet ae forsee cceoe boss so cso catudocsesandedenesees Memeo et eee 25 
GOSISEStINMALSS cme cre erce ee re ce carer ce ee ec sere ces bona teeesecssccdensssthantacaesasteestes 25 

PD ISCUISSIOT eer e ee eae e IG 2 Oe en ES ea eta euaesceteeaieen 26 
SUBD[ECHVERS Anrapl Inisereeeentssetstas hae sae sync os Saari acted ass 2 Ses onsed eas a saeseesene 26 
STATISTICA IMESUITM Ate Smesert eer rests e ec ccac ones coco ss voseaiesceconan caasvadesiocuecteteneeeee 26 
GOSHESTINM ALES eeretertrtert a eer corsa ce eens ee acenec roe eetbecesssentcessoeenicdt deen et dete buanes 26 
DISGLUISSTION eesasshaadsaestsboosdoce coc cp Ca SE TCBE EEA Heo BARC OSCE SES ee Uae nEe RE eC ee aaa 27 
GOMPICTEHEMUNMETAN OM res erecte eer cie recto eka sto teeneactaeuncusasbebaesecccececseatteets 28 
StAGti CalmEStnmales perenne mee ns Snes Stee Na lls Sa lusbuchkaee edeoaceoueeeeceees 28 
GOSTHESTIITI ALS are rere rene os soccer sade eteccesveccncosencevesasswiarseuacseleevedseotesest 28 
DDUSUISSI ON mercer erat cern ec a toe caus ade See aves soe wcusvesssecbaueesvccseeunsuscaseedeustivees 28 
SUIT RV AO IM INACTINOUS comers coe sean ete ceat ee acest ew tas ns cae Seai ns eteasltes sue Meassvensess ts 28 
STaliSti@d MESHIMALES rete saaeeiec te oo. Seserae none seca ci cavaussttns boot saSvacteuecbasaececeeasses 28 
GOSTHESIM ALES erste teeter eee cede e ans ss cocodeseccancsoueleceesiasusnuccaciuecsscaceevsee 28 


REV MOGI TOMS es eee creer ere oe non aaa aeas c coc owes ts coaealus Secouuess stehecdusteshaeaeSenceee 29 


Forest Inventory: (0.0) ccoe eee ek ies dead adele 1a ease oa ee 30 


Subjective: Sampling tite cg eo eos oneal nae 2 eke Cy Rinne de ee nae 31 
Inventories Without Prior Stand Mapping ...............csccesccesscesceseceeeceneceeceees, 31 
Systematic 'Sampley sce eee ee ces Ee meu ais Riek ieee ete en eae 31 
Statistical! Estimatesy..c3). cote. la secrete ek oe OR ME ire ee 32 
Mapping and Unmeasured Area Estimates ...............sscccssccceseceeeseeeneeens 33 
Cost Estimates) jth eee ene SUA isi ae ee Reet, Ener ee 35 
DISCUSSION Hiss :2anse8 eoavesetesteses soseaseauee eaede ueeee ee cet a eee 35 
Stratified Samplimg’ ..ciascecet. casssscidestcoyaeesdece acca eee ee toca See 36 
Poststratifi ati Omijeccccrs. fissuc rece cessee seer eee eee dene ote ee 3Y/ 
Systematic Sample ic ..cso.taveacs cooks the ves sacesueeee reece ncereee cs oe ee 37 
Statistical Estimates: ois. cess. cats sc ccd en emma ate oo coset Oe 37 
Mapping and Unmeasured Area Estimates ................:ccs:cceseseeeeeees 38 
Cost/Estimates bei sc5 sieectccetecunssnsscutthscose eee eee esac se 38 
DISCUSSION cv. cio, sx smccccacossscesesesaeaseaescoedeter tae twee c Secor eee 38 

Strip Grist give cates ceeceelccc ts .oe ca scuscssdoeeseemeeet ete tee es oe uacte re eaten oe 39 
Statistical: Estimates: .:'.sc2ssassseestacaelcecsesseeseet re es iee reece ee 39 
Mapping and Unmeasured Area Estimates .............sc00cccceeessseeeeeeees 41 

Gost ‘Estimates: ssusov.i. sae Si coccee cess ucose canes tieeee See eee 41 
DISCUSSION os.ccsecdeecc cotseseeseeceotov reer ee eee 41 
Prestratifi cation: 2:30.) asa\c.sscacsassboven -mecscen cee .leesboassuseseneeaeeaee oe eee 42 
Stratified: Double-Sampling: feces. sseescee eee ee 43 
Statistical, Estimates: 360235 ns 2 een el ae e e 43 
Mapping and Unmeasured Area Estimates ..............s::cccceeecseeeeeeeees 45 
GOStEStIMATES. j55.55<5.cccsadeescncsbondececetsceee ter eee on eee tere Ce 45 
DISCUSSION csecescca ease ces saeco eae eee Eee aoa EL ea 47 

Wse of Satellite Imagery scc5 6. hes osieccoscoe eet ee eee 48 
StatisticalWEstinmmates ccs. scoscereccccnce scceeocctenseesoeec eee eee 49 
Mapping and Unmeasured Area Estimates ...............:ssccceeseereeeeeeee: 52 
COStEESH MATES asa oie ase eue ake o ecu SOU OEE e USO U ESE CST SSSR 52 
DISCUSSION ges cdhscctcees accesso eee Ones oo oe cea OuUa Re Oa TO STRE SO Nee OSES 53 
Inventories With Prior Stand Mapping ...............:.cccsscccessceceeseeceeesceeeeseeerenee: 53 
Wnstratified Sam pling. .ccc:ccateeescocescceces cscaveassccocscunescscsensussoncee eeeetecneeees 55 
Equal! ProbabilitysSamplinig)(@xpis:)) <ccssc-cosceccescscecccccrstsccesccsscsseecessseenceel 55 
Statistical! Estimates... chck cos Ws acces acesaac sarees eae ect Sences oe aee tee eee 55 
Stand) EStu ates i scsc6 sccck seco sce aoc eca cause tec snmene teen codecs teas poate eeenCeneee 57 
GCOSHIESH Mates: cicoskocesisaceess ches arseen reese eee ee ene eae REE eee 58 
DISCUSSION ics oc cseisseibexecniev aoe ewe woe Saecia nec enaN SCR RO OSS E Re Ee Su aT RESTS ONE rece CEES 59 
Probability Proportional to Size (p.p.s.) Sampling .............::cceeeeeeeeeeeee: 59 
StatisticalWEStimates) <cccc. coscccs.coetessaces sesseseuseceeuecnoswesct cece ceceee a cueeneneee 60 
Stama! Estimates iecccicccccscccse sos teas ecco nc cu tac eaves nace ateeneeeeen Cot nec teeeeees 61 
Gost: Estinmatesicscc..ccccscssecscuacoewonetcccaws sc cuces suoctneteecscosbecenioe sNacecuewameccue 61 
DISCUSSION: oc0oscn ccs ccsowewes socnoeduwsatens sua ceeweesnces Sonne on saceausseeenemce rece etcenee nce 61 
Stratified, Samnplimpaceoscscsccc onto tikoiehs co csscososatectecccccteces tow meee ceeere menccesece 61 
Poststratifi GathOMs vcic.5: scoses sssvccsuseseeecamectenec os ce conaccwemeeeee enero ereenrmer ce 62 
Statistical) Estinmatesy:ccaieccccscicsoicc cctes sre careneccwcusceacemenceee ser encueaceccenens 63 
Stand VEStimMatesy oocs ccs cs sec ecos co oece fe ware te sansa ee ee Oe Re 65 
COST IEStIEM ALES) ca 525 cece cae Sona cere Cerner aac cee eeenee eae cneeeereee 65 
PISCUSSIOMN: arscec cesses oseae aes eee eee o at SSN aa Se Sac cUanae eae eere ocee ew etenees 65 
PrestratifiGattn).cieccccaccacse sess ceases ovscsacseceas concanenanteuseceeens caeeasseeenceeeeeneemeee 65 


Statistical GEStiinateSrasss eerie erect sees ee Le 66 


STAMCUEStI ALCS Mens see ee tcotree eter e cc steve atenaek ccaneate seaese ste badd sescaets 68 
GOSMESLIMIALGS ss ceecece reece tear eeeee eee esta ictads haste Sie aude senaneeues 69 
PVISCUSSIOMN -sietcctsccsssere rors s state nese icte tocconcees aster ttesvecccaddbaeedey cca boneteatt 69 
Probability Proportional to Size (p.p.s.) Sampling ..............0::ccccceeeees 70 
SLAUISCICAIMESEIMALES IO. Me. cc cctactseo ees e ati ne teosiuteeccealusscrsos sete tbereaane 70 
STAMCRESUIIMALCS 0: Socvss ste ssdesiceovoss cotta tartrate one eee Sore 72 
EOSTHESEIINIALCS peer ica sso cs caveccoss cetaceans sauce decccadesseluprveseesoveunes dacsvacvesewes 72 
PVISCUSSIOMeseresdeosscissscscecee cesses eee a craccs tdvaseaieeleatesectae Mae nootbbaemeeees 73 
Inventories Using Existing Stand Information .............:ccccccesccceessseeeeessceeeeees 73 
WsevontherstandrasalSamplinerlWMitcccs..:ces0-cste-.scceeceiceseccesseeossecctaeeovsess 74 
Gombiming INVvVentoniesiti ss: Lack tees. te ooo ete etree eu sovoteonenees 74 
StatisticalsEStimatesieciscess ai sccceot eee odeten cca tecoe see tee aceteate ites dasdetatiads ID 
Stamaddestimatesterrcrn rst rcrsncct cece tseceree oe ccseeessesestateieene eae eaten te 78 
DISCUSSION prestee eee eines bosec echo toseeueccncane docnevedseccavbutsubesdinecetinaversicoecoureoeites 78 
GOMMPBIECENEMUNME PATON eset ee veses nese cvsseotes cdectsstecsesucesssesscussccenosesovscvoceesossees 78 
StatistiGalHEStinidtesencseesstses sos. teres A cuskeesececteceoteeen sett deve Sees ae 79 
GOSTHESTIITALCSgserrcree ee eae coat tea cece ence tees cata c ane betect ate aeeanied asseratneee 80 
SUIMIIMAanyVAO ts FOFEStINVEMtONiGSis..ceeccssesccecessccecestescceceeceosoccecaseeeteduoceee sosneences 80 
StatisticalpEstimatonsteetss sec coos cote as eee ee 80 
FOTESIAESUIIM ALS ie taco rare once cece che ceec cr eeetevee ok nue sessecaseiigsdecsbvsscsuctasianes 80 
INGIVidlaleStanaPEstimmatesteecerss:s tet. secechectececnssessacesctesseeeoaees eee poeeeeeee 81 
GOSHESTIMMALES reser rec sete core cece ce cca atencddecaatebestotuattemeevedl panes 82 
REVitOy CMI ONS pecs cows tee scee Aer tewaesasssctestetecevesestacenslssenessteccccncarenseronres 83 
EOMIGIISIGIS eee ssh eee ere ee Need acaaddl uucalee coteeveh sceetoetes 84 
RElErenCes: ClteG a, Fare See renee soe eee eae area eeceissdbconcacseoseausvantesdice Devotee 85 
Additional Selected References .................cccccssccceesssceceeesseeeeeessceceessaceeensaeees 88 
Mapping, Classification, Remote Sensing .............::ccccsssecceeessseeceeseeeeesseeees 88 
StatiStiGstanGSaMmplingmr nies tre erckce eee catehae owcaksvedesosorscceaterteccsencconctes 88 
PlOt Com PUrainie crcteetcs serene sic clec casera ten coc cecpestecseteetoroae cevactesbee nice 88 
FOTESUIMVEMNOMV acces cesteccters estate raocaceneet cece ceo saceneetteccencoctdos orscstesdostsdettecsees 88 
SPECAlMIMVENMCONI@S eer ere ee reese crc cteeetnocee te esse soeeoeccecna tbe etes theses 88 
INMMONTONM B@rsaces setae een orcanoce cs eaeee tere ceraseoabactetcck oes nescocsscuececsoteeeettntceseuatieeaee 89 
Appendix 1: Equations and Formulas Used in Text ............:ccccccccseesseeeeenteeeees 90 
StatiSticalMEstinnatonsreses easter cress eeceneae ene ee ease eet ete: 90 
GOStHESCIIMALONS eeterrrrree ce etote ceo te cect hentyececectocaschoootevsotsesctenvsccuceasastrestsstere 91 
Appendix 2: Stand Characteristics of the Enchanted Forest .............:::::eceeeee 93 


Appendix 3: Stand Estimates by Various Inventory Designs .............::eceeeeee 95 


Introduction 


Land managers need to know the location, the extent, 
quantity, and condition of the natural resources that they 
manage and how those resources are changing over time. 
Stand inventories provide this kind of information for areas 
generally 100 acres or less as a prelude to treatment. Forest 
inventories provide similar information over large areas for 
resource planning purposes. 


A recent analysis of inventory expenditures in the USDA 
Forest Service National Forest System (Lund 1987) showed 
that up to 76 percent of the total costs of doing an 
inventory may be spent in data collection. Such costs are 
a function of the inventory design. Today’s resource man- 
agers need statistically valid, cost-effective, and defensible 
inventories (Laux et al. 1984). 


Stand and forest inventories consist of at least three 
phases: mapping, sampling, and analysis. Mapping alone 
cannot provide the information usually required by the 
decision maker. Sampling in the field is also needed. 


Mapping shows the locations of the resources and their 
extent and may be done before sampling, during the 
course of sampling, or after sampling. Sampling is used to 
obtain detailed data about part of the inventory unit. 
Analysis implies the calculation of estimates of certain 
parameters, variance, and confidence intervals. Analysis of 
the data is also used to make decisions regarding the 
management of the inventory unit. 


There are many excellent references available covering 
forest inventories. The material in Avery and Burkhart 
(1983), in Section 7 of the Society of American Foresters’ 
Forestry Handbook (Wenger 1984), and in De Vries (1986) 
are among the most recent and the best. In addition, a 
recent contribution to computer simulation of inventory 
design may yield useful insights into application of various 
designs for given forest conditions (Arvenitis and Reich 
1988). This report concentrates on commonly used and 
available options for doing stand and forest inventories. 
The major portion of the report is devoted to examining 
the more common sampling designs available to the 
Federal land management agencies and their costs. 


The objective of this report is to provide resource manag- 
ers and beginning inventory designers with an understand- 
ing of the range of options available and the costs to: 


e Sample within mapped entities. 


e Use mapped polygons as sampling units. 


e Generate maps and inventory statistics from sample 
data. 


Sampling within individual mapped stands and among 
mapped stands, and sampling and creating spatial infor- 
mation where no stand maps exist are discussed. 


Example inventories of a mythical Enchanted Forest using 
many of the designs in use by the Forest Service are 
presented. Detailed illustrations and step-by-step instruc- 
tions for each design are given to help beginning inventory 
specialists understand how the designs are implemented 
and how the statistical estimators are generated. 


English units of measure are used in this text unless 
otherwise specified. Metric conversions are as follows: 


1 inch = 25.4 millimeters (mm). 


1 inch = 0.0254 meter (m). 
1 foot = 0.3048 meter (m). 
1 mile = 1.6093 kilometers (km). 


1 acre = 0.4047 hectare (ha). 

100 cubic feet (1 ccf) = 2.83 cubic meters (m*). 

100 cubic feet per acre (1 ccf/acre) = 7.00 cubic meters 
per hectare. 


This report incorporates much recent literature and sum- 
marizes many of the techniques being used by the USDA 
Forest Service National Forest System (NFS) Regions and 
by Research Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Units (fig. 
1). The proceedings from the In-place Resource Invento- 
ries Workshop (Brann, House, and Lund 1982), and the 
Forest Land Inventory Workshop (Lund 1984) were the 
principal documents reviewed. Even though timber situa- 
tions are discussed and illustrated, the options presented 
are equally useful for the inventory of other vegetative 
resources such as wildlife habitat or range production. 


Definitions 
The following definitions will be helpful in using this 
report: 


Accuracy: The closeness of a set of observations to the 
quantity intended to be observed (Kendall and Buckland 
1971). The degree of accuracy is calculated by statistical 
inference. 


Allowable error: Also called the allowable sampling error 
or tolerance specification. The largest acceptable size of 
the standard error of the estimate usually specified before 
a sample is drawn to determine sample size. 


one \ & reGu0) ay ae 
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Figure 1—Field units of the USDA Forest Service. 


Attributes (properties): The differentiating characteristics 
that must be discovered, measured, described, delineated, 
or derived to fulfill the objectives of the inventory (Valen- 
tine 1984). Species, height, and diameter are examples of 
tree attributes that are usually measured or observed. 
Volume per acre, basal area per acre, forest type, and stand 
size are stand attributes that are usually derived. 


Bias: A systematic difference between a statistical result 
and a parameter that is being estimated. (Kendall and 
Buckiand 1971). 


Classification: The process of describing categories for 
mapped or sampled objects (such as species, organisms, 
stands, sites, landforms, pedons, structures, or geographi- 
cal units). The categories may be based on natural affini- 
ties of the objects for one another with respect to charac- 
ters of interest, such as potentials, productivities, or 
inherent qualities or structures. Often the inherent quality 
or discrete structure of an object describes the category. 
The grouping of stands into forest types or trees into size 
classes is an example of a classification based on contin- 
uous quantitative characters. These two types of classifi- 
cations are not strictly the same, and care must be taken in 
constructing the classes in the latter case. 


Cluster: A sampling unit comprising two or more elements 
or subunits (Canadian Forest Inventory Committee 1978). 
The subunits are observed as part of the single primary 
sampling unit (Scott 1982). 


Coefficient of variation: The ratio of the standard deviation 
to the mean. 


Confidence interval: The range of values within which one 
might expect to find the parameter with some degree of 
assurance. 


Cost effective: Achieving specified objectives under given 
conditions for the least cost. 


Delineators: Attributes used to locate or define an inven- 
tory unit or a stand’s boundary on a map or aerial photo, 
usually based on vegetative changes or topographic fea- 
tures (Mehl 1984). 


Double sampling: See multistage sampling. 


Estimate: The particular value yielded by an estimator in a 
given set of circumstances (Kendall and Buckland 1971). 


Estimator: The rule or method of estimating a constant of 
a parent population. It is generally expressed as a function 
of sample values (Kendall and Buckland 1971). 


Extrapolate: To estimate the value of a variable or descrip- 
tor outside its tabulated or observed range. To infer an 
unknown from something that is known. 


Forest compartment: A basic territorial unit of a forest 
permanently defined for purposes of location, description, 
and record, and a basis for management (Ford-Robertson 
1971). A compartment consists of a grouping of forest 
stands. 


Forest inventory: A generally periodic survey covering all 
the forested land base used to support land and resource 
management planning and implementation. 


Forest stand: A community of forest vegetation possessing 
sufficient uniformity in regard to composition, constitu- 
tion, age, spatial arrangement, or condition, to be distin- 
guishable from adjacent communities, so forming a man- 
agement entity (Ford-Robertson 1971). 


Identifier (label): A code, symbol, letter, or number that 
links a mapped delineation to a legend, text, or data base. 


Integrated inventory: An inventory or group of inventories 
designed to meet multilocation, multidecision level, mul- 
tiresource, or monitoring needs (Lund 1986a). 


Interpolate: To insert, estimate, or find an intermediate 
term in a sequence or matrix. 


Inventory: To account quantitatively for goods on hand or 
provide a descriptive list of articles giving, at a minimum, 
the quantity or quality of each, such as the number of trees 
in a stand or volume of timber within a forest. 


Inventory (survey) unit: The land unit containing the 
population for which information will be summarized and 
analyzed. The unit may consist of any area of land such as 
grazing allotments; compartments; watersheds; 40-acre 
parcels; stands; National, State, or private forests; coun- 
ties; States; or even nations. 


Isoline: A line representing equality with respect to a given 
single variable—used to relate points on a map such as 
elevation contours, precipitation amounts, and tempera- 
ture regimes. 


Mapped stand (site delineation): An area delineated on a 
map or imagery containing at least one symbol (color, 
alpha, or numeric) and bounded by a continuous line 
(Valentine 1984). The delineation represents an area of 
land possessing some degree of internal homogeneity of 
attributes with respect to characteristics defined by a 
particular system. The mapped stand is identified by a set 
of delineators and is described by a set of descriptors. 


Mapping: The identification of selected features, the de- 
termination of their boundaries, and the delineation of 
those boundaries on a suitable base using predefined 
criteria (Shiflet and Snyder 1982). 


Measuring: Ascertaining the extent, characteristics, dimen- 
sion, or quantity of a population element such as the 
number of trees within a stand or compartment. 


Monitoring: The process of observing and measuring over 
a period of time to detect change or to predict trends. 


Multiphase sampling: A design in which some informa- 
tion collected from all of the units of a sample and 
additional and usually more detailed information is gath- 
ered from a subsample of the units constituting the 
original sample. Generally the sampling frame consists of 
a list of sampling units that remain the same size and at the 
same location in each phase of the sample. A sample that 
selects a 1-acre plot on an aerial photograph from a list of 
such plots and that also selects the same colocated, 1-acre 
field plot is an example of multiphase sampling. 


Multistage sampling: A design in which the sampling 
frame consists of a list of sampling units (primary sampling 
units) that in turn are made up of smaller units (secondary 
sampling units) that in turn may again be made up of 
smaller sampling units (Nichols 1979). An inventory that 
selects stands from a forest or compartment, 1-acre plots 
within the sample stands, and 0.1-acre subplots within the 
sample plots is an example of a three-stage sampling 
design. 


Parameter: A variable entering into the mathematical form 
of any distribution such that the possible values of the 
variable describe or yield different distributions. 


Permanent plot: A sampling unit established and docu- 
mented so as to permit repeated measurements of the 
same variables at the same exact places but at different 
times. 


Pixel: Contraction for picture element. The smallest, most 
elementary areal unit considered by an investigator in 
digital image (also called a resolution cell). Pixels may be 
represented digitally by shades of gray, colors, or alphanu- 
meric characters and are comparable to one of the many 
dots making up the picture on a television screen. 


Plot configuration: The size and shape of the sampling 
unit (plot) and the spatial arrangement of subplots within 
that unit in the case of a cluster of plots. 


Population: Any finite or infinite collection of individuals 
such as trees in a stand or stands within a forest (Cochran 
1977). A sample frame must relate to its population. 


Precision: A measure of the way in which repeated 
observations conform to themselves. In general the preci- 
sion of an estimator varies with the square root of the 
number of observations upon which it is based (Kendall 
and Buckland 1971). It is a reflection of the sample size 
and the care taken and techniques used when measuring 
inventory attributes. 


Primary sampling unit (psu): The sampling units chosen in 
the first stage of a multistage sampling design. 


Probability limits (levels): Upper and lower limits assigned 
to an estimated value for the purpose of indicating the 
range within which the true value is supposed to lie 
according to some statement of probabilistic character 
(Kendall and Buckland 1971). 


Probability (random) sampling: Any method of selection of 
a sample based on the theory of probability (degree of 
belief); at any stage of the operation of selection the 
probability of any set of units being selected must be 
known. It is the only general method known that can 
provide a measure of precision of the estimate (Kendall 
and Buckland 1971). 


Resource inventory: The collection of data for description 
and analysis of the status, quantity, quality, or productivity 
of a resource. Such inventories usually include some 
descriptive data, numeric data, and at times, maps show- 
ing the extent of the inventory unit and location of sample 
units. 


Sample plot: A sampling unit or element of known area 
and shape such as a one-acre circular plot (Canadian 
Forest Inventory Committee 1978). 


Sample size: The number of sampling units that are to be 
included in the sample. In the case of a multistage sample, 
this number refers to the number of units in the final stage 
of the sampling (Kendall and Buckland 1971). 


Sampling: The act or process of selecting a subset from a 
population (a stand from all stands, or a plot from all 
possible plots) for estimating, analyzing, classifying, or 
characterizing. 


Sampling (inventory) design: The specification of a con- 
figuration of sampling units and the method used to 
determine which sampling units will be measured, such as 
systematic sampling, stratified sampling, and multistage 
sampling. 


Sampling error: That part of the difference between a 
population value and an estimate thereof, derived from a 
random sample, which is due to the fact that only a 
sample of values is observed. The totality of sample 
estimates in all possible samples of the same size gener- 
ates the sampling distribution of the statistic which is 
being used to estimate the parent value (Kendall and 
Buckland 1971). 


Sampling frame: (See also population). The complete 
aggregate or list of sampling units from which the samples 
will be drawn, such as all possible plots within a stand or 
a listing of all stands within a compartment or forest. 


Sampling intensity: The number of sampling units estab- 
lished per unit area (e.g., 1 plot per 3,000 acres) or the 
percentage of the population sampled. 


Sampling unit (plot): One of the units into which an 
aggregate is divided or regarded as divided for the pur- 
poses of sampling, each unit being regarded as individual 
and indivisible when the selection is made (Kendall and 
Buckland 1971). A specified part (such as a fixed-area plot, 
or mapped stand unit) of the inventory unit. 


Sampling with replacement: The return of a sampling unit, 
drawn from a finite population, to that population after its 
characteristics have been recorded and before the next 
unit is drawn (Kendall and Buckland 1971). 


Sampling without replacement: The failure to return a 


sampling unit, drawn from a finite population, to that 
population. 


10 


Secondary sampling unit: The sampling unit chosen dur- 
ing the second stage or step of a multistage sampling 
design. 


Stand descriptors: Attributes that provide information 
about the stand but do not determine a stand’s boundary 
(Mehl 1984). 


Stand (silvicultural) examination (stand inventory): The 
collecting of data within a given stand to determine 
treatment needs or, if after treatment, to verify results. 


Standard deviation: The measure of dispersion of a fre- 
quency distribution equal to the positive square root of the 
variance (Kendall and Buckland 1971). 


Standard error: The positive square root of the variance of 
the sampling distribution of a statistic (Kendall and Buck- 
land 1971). 


Statistically valid design: A design that permits inferences 
based on logical analysis, the premises, and the data to a 
well defined population. An inventory design that pro- 
vides samples that permit the calculation of estimates of 
population parameters and of their respective variances 
and standard errors. 


Stratification: The division of an inventory unit into more 
homogeneous sub-units to improve the efficiency of the 
inventory. 


Stratified sample: A sample selected from a population 
which has been divided into parts. Stratification is done by 
dividing the general population into homogeneous sub- 
populations so that more sampling effort can be put into 
heterogeneous strata or in strata of more interest than 
others, or to reduce the error by minimizing variation 
within. Stratification may be undertaken on a geographical 
basis by dividing the survey area into subareas on a map or 
through interpretation and classification of points from 
remote sensing imagery. 


Stratum: Any division of the population for which a 
separate estimate is desired (Kendall and Buckland 1971). 
Plural of stratum is strata. 


Systematic sample: A sample obtained by making obser- 
vations at equally spaced intervals, such as taking a 
sample every 100 feet along a transect line. 


Timber cruise: A survey to estimate the quantity and value 
of timber on a given area according to species, size, 
quality, and possible products prior to the harvesting of the 
timber or before land is exchanged or acquired. 


Update: A method used to make current inventory esti- 
mates by manipulation of the inventory data base through 
accounting procedures, projection models, or by adjust- 
ment of a base inventory by subsampled data. 


Variance: The measure of dispersion of individual unit 
values about their mean (Freese 1962). 


Mapping 

Mapping is used to define and show: inventory unit and 
stand boundaries; location of resource; and the results of 
an inventory keyed to a legend or data base. Forest stands 
are usually mapped according to forest type, average size 
of trees (stand size), volume classes, and density of the 
overstory. 


Maps and inventories are used to answer two questions: 1) 
where are stands having certain attributes located? and 2) 
what are the attributes at a given location? \n the first case, 
the attributes sought are known, but the locations are 
unknown. In the second case, the locations are known, 
but attributes are unknown. Both situations are considered 
in this report. 


Classification—Two classification approaches may be 
used to develop the maps to answer the questions (Valen- 
tine 1984). A unifying system such as Daubenmire’s 
(1968) habitat types is useful for answering the first 
question. Most of the information is displayed on the map 
or in the legend. Such a system requires multiple catego- 
ries and numerous classes. All classes have to be fully 
defined. The classification process is an integral part of the 
mapping program. Some information may be lost when 
generalized into broader classes. 


Descriptive systems are often applied through multilayer- 
ing of diverse maps and are better at answering the second 
question. A number of single-attribute classifications may 
be used to describe a piece of land. 


In a descriptive system all information is attached to a 
polygon, pixel, or acre through an identifier or label. The 
identifier provides access to a data base. This system is 
simple, fast, and direct but is difficult to use to compare 
one area with another without rigorous analysis. Table 1 
shows the kinds of timber-related data than can be stored 


Table 1—Fxamples of stand data stored in a descriptive 
classification system (adapted from Mehl 1984) 


Location attributes 


Vegetation attributes 


Other attributes 


Stand number Ecological type Elevation 

Region Range type and Aspect 

State condition Slope percent 

County Forest type Landform class 

Administrative Forest Percent crown cover Mineral status 

Proclaimed Forest Stand structure Soil series 

Management area Stand age Rock, litter, duff 
number Average tree height percent 

Analysis area Average tree d.b.h. Fuel load 
number Basal area per acre Dominant wildlife 

Capability area Number of trees per species 
number acre Recreation 

Land use class Net cubic foot opportunity 

Land cover class volume spectrum 

Year of last inventory Dominant shrub Average annual 

Source of inventory species precipitation 

Dominant grass Site index 
species Planned treatments 


using a descriptive system. The mapping of such detailed 
information through a unifying system is difficult. 


Maps should be constructed using uniform standards and 
conventions including: the specification of features to be 
displayed; minimum size of area to be delineated; and the 
handling of special situations such as stringers of vegeta- 
tion along riparian zones, road rights-of-way, etc. 


Remote Sensing—Mapping may be done in the field, from 
aerial photos or other types of imagery, or automatically 
by satellite reconnaissance systems. If done in the field, 
the inventory or collection of data within the typed 
polygons may be done at the same time as the delineation 
of boundaries. A stratified sampling system is often used to 
collect the field data, after using aerial photography or 
satellite reconnaissance imagery for land classification. 


For forest management, map units are usually based on 
delineations of potential vegetation, current vegetation on 
phoiographs, or by aggregating pixels having common band 
characteristics. Inventory data may be stored by these three 
kinds of mapping units. Table 2 presents advantages and 
disadvantages of each. The mapping of potential vegetation, 
such as habitat type, requires considerable field expertise 
and effort. Mapping of current vegetation, such as timber 
stand mapping, is usually done by interpreting aerial pho- 
tography with some field checking. 


11 


Table 2—FEvaluation of possible common data collection and map storage units 


Common storage units 


Strengths 


Ecological (habitat) type Stable. Reflect long term opportunities, neutral units 


Weaknesses 


High skill level required for delineation. Criteria variables 


map units (potential vege- 
tation). 


for competing resources. Visible to land manager. 
Allow variable sampling intensity. 

Existing vegetation. Widely used, well understood, large, flexible data base 
system. Focus on primary resource for managment 
activity. Easily recognizable on the ground. 

Cells, pixels. Good sampling design possible by using groups of like 
pixels. Spatial display. Minimal inter-resource coordi- 
nation needed. Stable over time. Automated. 


may be subjective. Difficult to automate. Lack complete 
coverage. Require strong inter-resource coordination. 


Criteria for delineation change geographically over time 
depending on many variables. Excessive focus on com- 
modity resources. 


Require geographical information system (GIS). Groups 
of cells may not reflect resource pattern. Synthesis may 
not be recognizable on-the-ground. Pixels provide 
graphic displays of areas that have been digitized for 
computer storage, which may include such mixed enti- 
ties as stands and ecological types or any other defined 


areas. 


Generally, aerial photography at a scale of 1:20,000 or 
larger is suitable for the detection of most variables of 
interest for forestry purposes. These variables include 
stand size, tree heights, crown diameter, and number of 
trees. Measurements of these same variables from aerial 
photography generally requires imagery twice as large 
(i.e., 1:10,000 or larger) (Lund 1986a). 


Cover type and overstory closure can be detected and 
measured from scales as small as 1:125,000. Satellite 
imagery has been used to measure these two items. Digital 
information, such as that from satellite reconnaissance, 
also maps the current situation. 


Satellite imagery provides wall-to-wall coverage with res- 
olution available down to pixel size (1.1 acres for Landsat). 
For large areas, however, coverage of a selected forest type 
region may require several satellite scenes. Pixels may 
overlap traditional stand boundaries and often must be 
grouped to give map displays similar to those obtained 
through photo interpretation. Satellite imagery and to 
some extent aerial photography may be interpreted auto- 
matically as well as visually. 


Table 3 (adapted from Hoffer 1982) lists some consider- 
ations to determine if computer classification or visual 
interpretations should be used for mapping. Lachowski 
(1984) provides guidance on selecting the appropriate 
kind and scale of aerial photography to use. Regardless of 
the type of mapping performed, consideration should be 
given to entering the data into a geographic information 
system (GIS). Hanson (1979) provides guidance on prep- 
aration of maps for manual digitizing. 


12 


Table 3—Considerations in determining computer-assisted 
or manual mapping procedures 


Computer classification’ po- 
tentially suitable if: 


Geographic area of interest is 
very large (state, country). 


Informational categories of in- 
terest are spectrally separable. 


Spectral characteristics of data 
are relatively simple (spectral 
classes are reasonably homo- 
geneous and relatively few in 
number). 


Spatial relationships are not 
required to achieve identifica- 
tion. 


Manual interpretation? or field ex- 
amination probably more suitable if: 


Geographic area is relatively small 
(town, county). 


Spectral characteristics of data are 
complex and difficult to characterize. 


Requirement for detailed spatial infor- 
mation exceeds capabilities of multi- 
spectral scanning systems, thereby in- 
dicating a need for geographical data 
and manual interpretation. 


Required information is contained in 
spatial characteristics of the data (lin- 
eaments, circular features, etc.). 


Convergence of evidence principle 
or correlation analysis is required to 
identify features of interest. 


1 — Computer classification of multispectral scanner data, probably 


from spacecraft altitudes. 


2 — Manual interpretation might involve aerial photography, multispec- 
tral scanner data (individual, combined wavelength bands, or 


enhanced), or radar data. 


Resource Inventories—|nventories can be conducted with 
and without stand mapping. Inventories without stand 
mapping are usually a prelude to further data collection 
and in the past were called Stage | inventories in the Forest 
Service. Follow-up inventories using stand mapping were 
called Stage II (USDA Forest Service 1962). Common data 
collection forms and reports were and still are used to tie 


the inventories together (Costello and Lund 1978). 


Because stand boundaries change over time, the use of 
stands for sampling units has been avoided in the past. 
Grosenbaugh (1955) recommended that instead of stands, 
operating areas with meaningful permanent boundaries 
and convenient size should be established as the mini- 
mum unit for forest management records. 


Changing technology, particularly in the form of geo- 
graphic information systems (GIS), now allows inventory 
specialists to create maps based on sample data and to use 
stand maps more effectively for resource inventories. Over 
time, spatial data and descriptive data in a GIS can be 
updated for use in continuous management programs 
(Langley 1983). Because of this emerging technology, 
more and more Forest Service Regions are combining the 
sampling efficiencies of the Stage | inventory with the 
mapping of the Stage II inventories. Similarly, some FIA 
units are exploring ways of using their existing inventories 
to provide mapped information across the entire survey 
unit. 


Various techniques are shown in this report to illustrate 
how sample data can be spatially extrapolated to the 
whole inventory unit. 


Field Data Collection 
Any inventory requires either a complete enumeration or 
a sample of the population of interest. 


Enumeration—Complete enumeration requires visiting 
and observing all individuals or data items in a popula- 
tion, such as measuring each and every tree in a stand or 
all stands within a compartment or forest. 


Complete enumeration of trees within a stand is generally 
restricted to areas of very high value. Complete enumera- 
tion of stands within a compartment or a forest is Common 
in areas that have been under intensive management for 
quite some time such as the Southern (Belcher 1984) and 
Eastern Regions (Johnson 1984). In these two cases, even 
though all stands are visited, sampling within the stands is 
used to obtain estimates. 


Questions to be asked when considering complete enu- 
meration include (Cunia 1982); (1) is the real objective of 
the survey such that it would require the examination of 
each individual of the population? (2) must the results of 
the survey be presented separately for each individual of 
the population or is their presentation as averages or totals 
sufficiently satisfactory? (3) will complete enumeration 
provide unbiased results or will there be falloff due to 
measurement errors and lower quality of work that may 
occur when large numbers of individuals have to be 
measured? 


Complete enumeration is costly and time consuming. It is 
used only when a small population is involved or when 
the population has a very high value. Surprisingly, the 
results from a sample may be more accurate than the 
results from complete enumeration. Measurements of 
many characteristics may not be error-free and the collec- 
tion of data on a large number of objects may be subject 
to measurement errors. 


Because complete enumeration requires considerable 
time, different people may have to be used, some of who 
may have less training or dedication than others. One 
person having to make the same measurements over and 
over again tends to become negligent in quality control. 
Units may be missed and measurements made haphaz- 
ardly. The errors tend to accumulate. Because fewer 
observations are required in sampling, quality control is 
easier to maintain and the measurement errors decrease 
(Cunia 1982). 


Sampling—When one cannot afford a census of a popu- 
lation, a subset of the population is sampled (some of the 
trees in a stand, some plots within a stand, or some of the 
stands in a compartment or forest are measured). The 
sampling units (trees, plots, or stands) are measured for the 
characteristics of interest and the resulting measurements 
are analyzed. The conclusions drawn are representative of 
and applicable to the entire population and are based on 
inferential logic. 


Sampling may take on one of the two forms: subjective 
sampling or probability sampling. Subjective sampling is 
also referred to as purposive, nonprobability, or judgement 
sampling. 


13 


Subjective sampling may be accomplished with or without 
preconceived bias (Mueller-Dombois and _ Ellenberg 
1974). Preconceived bias indicates the investigator con- 
sciously avoids certain nonconformities or deviations in 
vegetation cover. The Southern Region (Belcher 1984) 
selects sample plots that appear to have average stand 
conditions. 


“Without preconceived bias” indicates that the investiga- 
tor measures stand conditions that attempt to include the 
extremes of the population of interest. Foresters have 
employed this technique as a sort of stratification. It is 
often used to construct tree volume tables to ensure a wide 
range of diameter classes are measured. In a forest inven- 
tory, stands representing the extreme conditions are visited 
rather than areas representing average condition of the 
compartment or forest. Norton et al. (1982) used this 
technique to inventory riparian vegetation. 


Subjective sampling is justified when (Cunia 1982): 


e The variation between the elements of a population is 
very large and the sampling is extremely expensive. 


e The needs for information about some population of 
interest are immediate and decisions are not sensitive 
to biases in estimates. 


e The available funds to do a complete enumeration or 
statistical sample are very low. 


e The subjective sample is to be used for planning a 
Statistical sample. 


e Estimates of precision are not needed. 


e The results are not likely to be contested in a court of 
law. 


Subjective samples should be limited to a single purpose 
and for a short term. 


For resource inventories serving multiple decisions over 
long periods of time, statistically valid samples are re- 
quired. Therefore, probability sampling is preferred for 
most inventories. The reliability of the sample estimators 
can be calculated and expressed in probability terms 
when statistical sampling is used, whereas the reliability of 
subjective sampling cannot be determined. 


14 


It will often be useful to distinguish two levels of numerical 
estimates from sample surveys, those used in computation 
and final reported values. Computations often carry many 
additional digits reflecting the accuracy of the computer 
procedures used to obtain the estimates. Final reported 
figures tabulate the estimate, rounded to a reasonable 
number of digits, which should be based on the accuracy 
of the sampled data. A secondary consideration is that the 
reported figures should have a consistent number of 
decimal places and/or be nearly additive. In this report we 
often carry additional computational digits in the text. 
Figures reported in the tables are rounded to two or three 
decimal places or truncated to the last whole number. 
Rounding will follow the rule that the digit prior to the 
level of rounding is considered the last reliable digit. 
Ignore succeeding digits and round up if the rounding 
digit is greater than 5; round down if it is less than 5. If the 
rounding digit is exactly 5, round to the nearest even digit; 
thus 2.25 = 2.2, and 2.15 = 2.2. 


Statistically valid data can often be used for purposes other 
than those originally intended and at different points in 
time. Even if resource management objectives change, 
statistically valid inventories retain much of their value. 
This is usually not the case with subjective inventories. 


The basic assumptions for probability sampling are that 
the sampling procedure has been clearly defined in simple 
terms and if repeatedly applied to the same population, 
the following conditions are satisfied (Cunia 1982): (1) the 
set of all possible samples that may arise, as well as the 
particular individuals that enter in each of these samples, 
are known or can be known; (2) the population of 
individuals is completely covered by this set of samples, 
that is, each individual of the population must belong to at 
least one of these samples; (3) each sample in this set has 
a probability of occurrence that is known and nonzero; 
and (4) unique estimates of the population parameters of 
interest can be calculated from the data of each sample. 


Note that it is not usually necessary to explicitly write 
down the set of all possible samples and the associated set 
of probabilities; it may suffice to know that it can theoret- 
ically be done. 


In the sampling process, data are collected from a sample 
of the population and the results expanded to the inven- 
tory unit. The sampling process may vary from visiting all 
trees in the inventory unit and making measurements on a 
few to visiting only a portion of the inventory unit, 
establishing sample plots, and measuring some of the trees 
on those plots. 


In 3P sampling (i.e., sampling with probability propor- 
tional to a predicted value), all trees in a stand are visited 
and only that portion is measured that is selected with 
probability proportional to predicted volumes. Wiant 
(1976) gives an excellent discussion of the use of 3P 
sampling. 


Sample tree selection methods include the use of such 
devices as colored or numbered marbles, dice, or random 
number tables. When visiting every individual in a popu- 
lation is not desirable, data are collected from sample 
plots. 


Plot Configuration—Sizes and shapes of field plots are 
commonly determined on the basis of custom, tradition, 
and experience. The most efficient configuration is one 
which has the smallest size in relation to the variability 
produced (Avery 1975). Simple plots having a fixed size 
are usually rectangular or circular in shape. Rectangular or 
strip plots are often oriented to cross maximum variation, 
to reduce between plot variance, and to increase within 
plot variation. 


Myers and Shelton (1980) consider practicality in locating 
plot boundaries and taking measurements, edge bias, and 
the balance of effort between measuring a few large plots 
or many small plots as the primary considerations for 
choosing a plot design. Fixed-area plots are particularly 
useful for measuring change. 


Combined plots (a grouping of subplots) are often used for 
sampling different types of vegetation in the same inven- 
tory. For example, a 1/10-acre plot may be used to tally 
sawtimber trees and a 1/300-acre plot established at the 
same plot center may be used to count seedlings. These 
two plots are often described as nested, concentric, or 
collocated. 


A variable radius (Bitterlich or point sample) is commonly 
used in timber inventories. This is an example of a 
combined plot composed of nested circular plots with the 
plot radius of each being a constant multiple of tree 
diameter (Bitterlich 1959). 


A cluster of plots is also a form of a combined plot in 
which the area of the sampling unit is spread out in some 
fixed geometric pattern around an initial plot reference 
point. The 10-point cluster commonly used in the USDA 
Forest Service is an example. 


Strip transects (a series of long, narrow rectangular plots 
placed end to end), are also examples of combined plots 
common in vegetation inventories. Strips are more likely 
to sample variation in nonuniform vegetation. The disad- 
vantage of strip transects is the large amount of edge in 
relation to area, which introduces a strong possibility of 
edge bias (Myers and Shelton 1980). 


Line plot sampling (Loetch and Haller 1964) may also be 
considered a form of combined plots. A line transect 
defines a common centerline where sample plots are 
spaced at regular intervals along the line. 


In general, when using combined plots, the sub- 
components must be placed in the same geometric rela- 
tionship to one another each time a plot is established. In 
addition, because the combined plot is an integral unit, 
the subplots are combined, rather than treated separately, 
to produce a composite plot estimate (Myers and Shelton 
1980). 


Francis (1978), Morris (1982), Scott (1982), and Conant et 
al. (1983) provide good reviews of various plot configura- 
tions in use for inventories of the vegetative resources. 


Subsampling should be used to observe time consuming 
attributes such as number of logs per tree, tree quality, age, 
and defect. Some plots should be monumented and 
remeasured for monitoring and modeling (Scott 1984). For 
future use or for monitoring, plot coordinates should be 
determined and stored in a data base. Plot configuration, 
subsampling, and monumenting are important but are not 
discussed further in this report. 


Sample Size—The question of sample size must be con- 
sidered. At least two sample units per inventory unit 
(stand, compartment, or forest) are required if one wants to 
compute the reliability of the inventory. The need for 
additional plots varies with the objective. Traditionally 10 
to 20 plots are established within a stand or 10 percent of 
a compartment or forest is inventoried. Ten to 20 plots per 
stand may be excessive if no immediate treatments are 
planned or if all that is needed is an estimate of what is in 
a particular area (Ek, Rose, and Gregerson 1984). 


15 


Freese (1962), Hamilton (1979), and LaBau (1981) provide 
excellent discussions of determining sample size. Factors 
to consider include the consequences of errors in inven- 
tory estimates and the inventory costs. The resource 
manager should define and quantify the consequences of 
errors in the estimates. The inventory specialist should 
calculate the costs and determine the estimate of optimal 
precision. 


Costs 

The costs and methods of calculation presented in this 
report are given principally to illustrate the examples, but 
also to show the relative expenses of conducting invento- 


16 


ries by various methods. They are typical of those incurred 
by the USDA Forest Service Regions (Lund 1987). 


The cost estimates include, where applicable, purchase of 
imagery, interpretation and mapping, and establishing and 
measuring field plots. These vary by design and size of the 
inventory unit. Additional expenses one needs to consider 
when developing an inventory are planning costs, over- 
head costs, costs of purchasing and maintaining equip- 
ment, per diem, data entry, editing, processing, data base, 
inventory documentation, and maintenance and storage. 
These may also vary by the design of the inventory and 
size of the inventory unit. 


Stand Inventory 


Inventories are often required of the smallest management 
unit a landowner has. These units may be stands, pastures, 
woodlots or parcels and could be termed mapped poly- 
gons in a geographic information system (GIS). Inventories 
within these mapped polygons are needed to determine 
what, how, and when specific treatments are to be made 
(Lund 1985). The treatments may be timber harvest, 
pasture improvement, precommercial thinning, etc. 


The mapped polygon may also have been selected as part 
of a broader, more extensive inventory, such as the inven- 
tory of a compartment or a forest. 


For the following discussions of collecting data within 
polygons or stands, assume: mapping is up to date and 
correct; that either complete enumeration or sampling is 
required; and if statistical sampling is used, at least two 
sample units will be observed. Remember, however, that 
serious objections can be raised concerning these assump- 
tions and that they need to be addressed in some organ- 
ized and orderly fashion for each inventory and not merely 
dismissed out of hand. Results for the examples are 
summarized to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages 
of the various options and to demonstrate how different 
techniques can yield different estimates of the same 
population. 


This section describes methods of locating sample plots 
within a polygon using stand number 97 of the Enchanted 
Forest as an example (fig. 2). Options range from subjec- 
tive sampling to statistical sampling to complete enumer- 
ation. Each option is discussed through the use of exam- 
ples and simulated plot data to determine volume in 
hundreds of cubic feet (ccf). Many of the other attributes 
listed in table 1 could be obtained by the sampling options 
presented here. A summary of techniques is presented. 


Statistical estimators for the various methods of sampling 
stand 97 are given for each option where (Freese 1962): 


A = The total area of the inventory unit in acres. 

a = The area of a sampling unit or a plot in acres. 

n = The number of sampling units or plots established. 

y; = The value for item of interest, such as volume per 
acre (ccf), observed or observed at each plot 
location. 

N = The total number of possible sampling units in the 
entire population where: 


N=A/a (1) 


Y = The estimated mean value of interest such as 
volume per acre (ccf) where: 


y= (2 y)/n (2) 
sf = The estimate variance of individual values of y 

where: 

sy? = {Zy, - (2 y)”/n}/(n-1) (3) 


s, = The estimated standard deviation of y where: 
Sy = (Sayi4 (4) 


s; = The estimated standard error of the mean for a 
simple random sample. For sampling without 
replacement (*): 


s5* = {(s/7/n)*[1-(n/N)]}} "7 (5) 
or for where sampling is with replacement: 


Sy = (s,7/n) "7? (6) 


The expression [1—(n/N)] in equation (5) is the finite 
population correction or f.p.c. If (n/N) is less than 0.05, it 
is commonly ignored and equation (6) is used (Freese 
1962). 


S. = The estimated sampling error of the mean value 
such as mean volume per acre (ccf) where: 


s. = S,/Y (7) 


%S. = The estimated sampling error of the mean value 
(such as mean ccf volume per acre) expressed as 
a percent where: 


%S, = (s.) * 100 (8) 


Y = The estimated total value (such as total ccf 
volume) in the population where: 


Y=y*A (9) 


Cost estimators are determined as follows. It is assumed 
that the inventory unit (the stand) is already mapped. 
Therefore the cost of acquisition of remote sensing, inter- 
pretation and mapping is not included. Only field costs 
are considered. Stand 97, consisting of 75 acres, is the 
inventory unit. 


Field costs are a function of: the size of the crew (C): the 
hourly wage (W) per person; the time per crew to measure 


LEA 


each sampling unit (M), the number of sampling units to 
be measured (n); travel time between sampling units (L), 
and the daily travel time to and from the inventory unit (D). 
To compute cost estimates, the following assumptions are 
made: 


18 


Size of crew (C) = 1 person for subjective samples; 2 
persons for statistical samples and complete enumeration. 


Hourly wage (W) = $9.00 per person. 


Plot measurement time (M) in hours = 0.167 hour for 
subjective samples; 0.5 hour for statistical samples; and 
1 hour for complete enumeration. 


Number of sampling units (n) = varies with design. 


Time (in hours) traveling between sampling units (L) 
varies with distance or interval between plots (I) or (i) 
and number of sampling units (N). It is assumed that a 
crew travels at a speed of 10,560 feet per hour through 
the woods. For statistical sampling: 


L = [(n—-1)iJ/10,560 (a) 


where i = interval in feet between sample plots or 
points. Daily travel time to and from the inventory unit 
in hours (D) must be added to the between plot travel for 
each crew. For simplicity it is assumed that for each 8 
hours spent within the inventory unit, 1 hour is spent in 
total travel time to and from the inventory unit. 


Thus D = [L + n (M)/8 (b) 


Forest Boundary 


Figure 2—Location of stand number 97 (shaded) in the Enchanted Forest. 
Total area of the stand is 75 acres. 


The general equation for field cost (F) is 


F = CW {[L + n(M)] + D} = 
1.25 * CW * [L + n * (M)] (c) 


A listing of all equations and formulas used in this report 
is found in Appendix 1. 


Probability Sampling 

Probability sampling depends on some form of random- 
ization of the location of observations to be made. In the 
simplest form equal probability is assigned to each poten- 
tial plot location and one or more of these selected by 
some random process. A certain amount of care should be 
exercised so that selection is indeed equally probable for 
each location. Throwing a dart at the aerial photo or map 
might be an option, but it might tend to exclude plots at 
the edge of the map. Another selection process may be 
random initial plot choice by dropping a grid over the 
mapped stand and then using random numbers to select a 
coordinate or grid intersection. 


Random processes for making selections in the field are 
also possible, but they must be rigorously enforced so that 
field personnel understand the importance of the random- 
ization process and do not substitute their “feeling of 
representativeness” for the random process consciously or 
unconsciously. One possible method of making the selec- 
tion in the field is to enter the stand at a point, choose a 
random azimuth and distance into the stand using a table 


Stand 97 
Enchanted Forest 


O Sampling Unit 


1000 


Figure 3—Location of sampling units using randomly selected azimuths 
and fixed distances (614 feet). 


of random numbers, and establish the initial plot at the 
distance and direction. 


Random Distribution—\n this example, an initial, 1-acre 
plot is randomly located within the stand. Additional 
1-acre plot centers are located at fixed distances (614 feet) 
but at random directions from one another (fig. 3). If the 
random direction makes the next plot fall outside the 
stand, the azimuth is rotated back into the stand according 
to some previously established rule or another angle is 
randomly picked. Figure 3 suggests that this method may 
be slow to disperse over an entire area. 


Statistical Estimates—This example provides a random 
sample for which the sampling formulae 2 to 9 are 
applicable. The results of an inventory of stand 97 using 
10 randomly selected plots are as follows: 


Plot ccf per acre 


17 
15 
LS 
16 
WE 
Zo 
24 
16 
Ne 
16 


COCO ON DU BWH 


—_ 


1500 


19 


yY = (17 + 15+... 16)/10 = 17.6 ccf per acre. 

sy? = {(177 + 15? +... 167) — (17+15+ ... 16)7/ 
10}/(10-1) = 13.8222. 

sz = (13.822/10)'” = 1.1757 ccf per acre. The equa- 

tion for sampling with replacement is appropri- 
ate as the same 1-acre plot may be chosen more 
than once. 

%S. = (1.757/17.6)*100 = + 6.68%. 


Y = 17.6*75 = 1,320 ccf for the stand. 


Cost Estimates—Numbers of plots and intervals (n = 10, 
i = 614 feet) provide estimates of costs as before: 


L = [(10—1)614]/10,560 = 0.523 hour. 

D = [0.523 + 10(0.5)J/8 = 0.6904 hour. 

F = 2(9) [0.523 + 10(0.5) + 0.6904] = $111.84, or 
$1.491 per acre. 


These results portray a useful estimate of the cost of 
inventorying the current stand and might be used to 
estimate sampling other stands in the forest. 


Discussion—Variations in sample selection may include 
selecting random distances as well as directions. Because 
it is difficult to implement in the field, this technique is 
seldom used in stand or forest inventories. 


Line Transect Distribution—Line transects can be laid out 
using any of the following rules: 


e Run the line through a randomly selected direction and 
point. 


e Run the line through a randomly selected point and 
along the contours. 


e Run the line through a randomly selected point and 
across the contours. 


e Run the line through a randomly selected point and 
along the longest axis of the stand (fig. 4). 


A line is drawn through a randomly selected point on the 
aerial photograph or stand map and the length measured. 
The length is divided by the number of plots to be 
established. The result is the interval between plot centers. 
The randomly selected point is usually plot 1. Additional 
plots are established along the transect line at the calcu- 
lated intervals on either side of plot 1. Sampling is without 
replacement. 


Figure 4 shows the distribution of one-acre plots estab- 
lished at random azimuth through plot 1. The length of the 
transect line is 2,785 feet. Plots are established at 278-foot 
intervals. 


Enchanted Forest 
© Sampling Unit 


1000 1500 


Figure 4—Location of sampling units along a randomly selected line 
transect. Plots are 278 feet apart. 


20 


Statistical Estimates—The results of an inventory of stand 
97 using a line transect are as follows: 


Plot ccf per acre 


W7 
16 
1s) 
15 
19 
19 
22 
21 
23 
24 


GOO ONDUBWH 


—_ 


Equations 1 to 9 are applied to obtain the statistical 
estimates. 


N = 75/1 = 75 possible 1-acre plots. 
Y = (7 + 16 +... 24)/10 = 19.10 ccf per acre. 
sy? = {(177 + 167+ ...247)-(17 + 16+... 24)*/ 
10}/(10-1) = 10.99. 
sy = {10.99/10 * [1-(10/75)]}}"7 = 0.9759 ccf per 
acre. 
%5_ = (0.9759/19.10) * 100 = + 5.11%. 


Y = 19.1*75 = 1,432.5 ccf for the stand. 


Cost Estimates—Applying equations a through c and using 
n = 10, i = 278 feet. 


Stand 97 
Enchanted Forest 


O Sampling Unit 


1000 


FEET 


Figure 5—Location of sampling units within stand 97 using the ricochet 
method. Plots are located at distances of 614 feet. 


L = [(10—1)278]/10,560 = 0.237 hour. 

D = [0.237 + 10(0.5)//8 = 0.655 hour. 

F = 2(9) [0.237 + 10(0.5) + 0.655] = $106.06 or 
$1.414 per acre. 


Discussion—Both the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau 
of Land Management (Baker 1982) and the U.S. Depart- 
ment of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service (Steers and 
Hajek 1979) have employed this technique. 


Ricochet Plot Location—The ricochet technique was de- 
veloped in 1978 by the USDA Forest Service Resource 
Evaluation Techniques program and is a modification of 
the line transect. The length of the line transect varies 
within the size of the stand and the chosen direction, 
while with the ricochet method the length is fixed. The 
ricochet transect starts at a randomly selected point and is 
run in a cardinal direction until the line hits the stand 
boundary. At that point, the line is rotated back into the 
stand at 45-degree increments. Plot centers are established 
at fixed intervals along the line with the initial random 
point being plot 1. The rules for establishment do not 
allow crossing a previous transect line unless there is 
no alternative. Sampling is considered to be without 
replacement. 


Figure 5 shows the distribution of 10 1-acre plots laid out 
using the ricochet technique. Plots were established at 


614-foot intervals; distribution of plots is improved over 
random azimuth or distance method. 


1500 


21 


Statistical Estimates—The results of an inventory of stand 
97 using the ricochet technique are as follows: 


Plot ccf per acre 


17 
16 
21 
V7, 
19 
19 
18 
20 
22 
23 


COON AU BWN 


—_ 


The sample design allows for all plots to be selected, 
hence, N = 75. 


yY = (17 + 16 +... 23)/10 = 19.20 ccf per acre. 

ae 2e NOs) ta. 232) (liz ey ty 23) 
10}/(10-1) = 5.2889. 

sy* = {(5.2889/10) * [1-(10/75)}}"7 = 0.6770 ccf 

per acre. 

(0.6770/19.20) * 100 = + 3.53%. 


19.2 * 75 = 1,440 ccf for the stand. 


Sy 


%oSe 


Y 


W/ i 


Carey, 


\{ 


rp 


Cost Estimates—Finally estimates of the cost for the inven- 
tory are obtained from equations a through c, for n = 10, 
i = 614 feet. 


L = [(10-—1)614]/10,560 = 0.523 hour. 

D = [0.523 + 10(0.5)/8 = 0.6904 hour. 

F= 2(9) [0.523 + 10(0.5) + 0.6904] = $111.84 or 
$1.491 per acre. 


Discussion—While this technique has not been employed, 
except for the initial development phase, it appears to have 
properties that might be preferred where it is important to 
measure edge or ecotone conditions as part of the stand 
inventory. 


Systematic Distribution With a Random Start—Starting at 
a randomly selected point, plots are located at fixed 
directions and distances throughout the stand. The dis- 
tance between plot centers varies according to the size of 
the stand, the number of plots to be established, and 
layout. Variations in layout include use of squares, parallel 
line transects (Stage and Alley 1972), and equilateral 
triangles as shown in figure 6. An equation (Lund 1979) 
for computing the interval between points using equilat- 
eral triangles is: 


Enchanted Forest 
© Sampling Unit ~~ 
1000 1500 — 


Figure 6—Location of sampling units using a grid or systematic distribu- 
tion. Plots are located at 60 degrees and 614 feet from one another. 


224.272*(A/n)"/? (d) 


interval between plot centers in feet. 
area of the stand in acres. 
n = number of plots to be established. 


= 
=e 
® 
® 
> — 
i od 


The area of stand 97 is 75 acres. Assuming 10 plots are to 
be established, the interval between plot centers would be 
614 feet located at 60 degrees to one another. 


The metric equivalent is: 
| = 107.456*(A/n)"? (e) 


where | is expressed in meters and A in hectares. 


Statistical Estimates—The results of an inventory of stand 
97 using a systematic distribution of sample plots are as 
follows: 


Plot ccf per acre 


17 
16 
21 
20 
18 
20 
23 
22 
19 
15 


COON DU BWNH — 


— 


Estimates are obtained as usual using equations 1-9, 
N = 75 1-acre plots. 


y = (17 + 16+... 15)/10 = 19.10 ccf per acre. 
ze N67 +)... 157) = (17 + 160+... 15)2/, 
10}/(10-1) = 6.7667. 
s* = {(6.7667/10) * [1-(10/75)]}'2 = 
per acre. 
%S. = (0.7658/19.10) * 100 = + 4.01%. 


Y = 19.1 * 75 = 1,432.50 ccf for the stand. 


Sy 


0.7658 ccf 


Cost Estimates—Using the standard equations with n = 
10, i = 614 feet. 


L = [((10-1)614)/10,560 = 0.523 hour. 

D = [0.523 + 10(0.5))/8 = 0.6904 hour. 

F = 2(9) [0.523 + 10(0.5) + 0.6904] = $111.84, or 
$1.491 per acre. 


Discussion—Simple random sampling formulae are al- 
most always used to compute statistics for a single random 
start. When random sampling equations are used with a 
systematic sample, the calculated variance for forestry 
examples frequently overestimates the variance in the 
population. Therefore the estimate can be considered 
somewhat conservative, to err on the safe side. However, 
the inventory analyst must be alert for unusual spatial 
patterns that might coincide with the distribution of 
samples. Property lines, superhighway rights-of-way, and 
township lines could coincide with systematic samples to 
the detriment of a systematic sample. 


The systematic sampling technique is without replace- 
ment and provides the most uniform distribution of plots 
throughout the stand. The disadvantage is that, assuming 
all other things are equal, it may be one of the most costly 
to do. The distance between plot centers is often the 
greatest (Matern 1960), hence travel time is the highest. 
The Intermountain (Myers 1984) and Northern Regions 
(Brickell 1984) employ this sampling design within stands. 


Single Plot—A single point does not an inventory sample 
make. However, a single plot will occasionally be the only 
sample for a stratum that was judged to be unimportant 
prior to the inventory and then still requires an estimate for 
the sake of completeness. Figure 7 shows a single plot; its 
location was selected by a random process. The observed 
volume is 17 ccf per acre. 


Statistical Estimates—This can hardly be considered a 
statistical estimate, but for this plot, Y = 17 * 75 = 1,275 
ccf total volume in the stand. Unless additional random 
samples are added it is not possible to compute the 
sampling error. However, if this is the result of a single 
point strata in a larger inventory, for which estimates of 
similar strata are available, a statistician might conjure up a 
Stein or simulation type estimate of the variance (Thomas 
1986). 


Cost Estimates—Selection of a single plot for an inventory 
is highly unlikely, hence a cost estimate for a single plot is 
not likely to yield relevant information. 


Discussion—Often a cluster of subplots is used in lieu of a 
single plot. One or more subplot centers are systematically 
distributed near a randomly selected starting point. The 
random point is usually the first plot in the cluster or the 
center. A cluster is used in situations where travel costs are 
high or accessibility is limited, it is difficult to build a 
sampling frame, or where interest lies in a primary sam- 


23 


pling unit that is expensive to observe in total (Ek et al. 
1984). It is very efficient if variability within the cluster is 
high and when the variation within the inventory unit (in 
this case, the stand) is expected be low. 


10-Point Cluster—A 10-point cluster (fig. 8) is a common 
layout in the USDA Forest Service. Subplots are located at 
70 feet and 60 degrees from one another. A 5-point, 


L-shaped cluster is now used in California (Bowlin 1984) 
and a 19-point cluster is being used in a survey of Alaska 
(Larson 1984). Other configurations are outlined by Scott 
(1982). The pattern for the cluster is established prior to 
the inventory. In general, one should observe as many 
subplots as widely spaced as possible as time would allow 
to get maximum dispersion on measure of variation across 
the stand (Ek et al. 1984). 


Stand 97 
Enchanted Forest 


O Sampling Unit 
1000 1500 


Figure 7—Location of a single sampling unit within stand 97 using 


random selection. 


Stand 97 
Enchanted Forest 


O Sampling Unit 
1000 1500 


Figure 8—Location of a randoml)-located, 10 point cluster. Subplots are 
located at 70 feet from one another. 


24 


If the initial point falls close to the edge of the stand, some 
subplots may fall into adjoining stands. When validation 
of the mapping or classification is important, substitute 
plots established according to previously defined rules are 
normally used (fig. 9). 


In the inventory of stand 97, a 10-point cluster is estab- 
lished as shown in figure 8. Each subplot represents about 
0.10 acre. 


Statistical Estimates—A good deal of care must be taken in 
the consideration of the statistical nature of the estimates. 
For some sample clusters it is possible that a mean and 
variance for the stand would be meaningful. This is 
probably not the case for the example. The results of the 
inventory of stand 97 using a single 10-point cluster are as 
follows: 


Subplot ccf per acre 


17 
17 
17 
iz, 
16 
15 
IZ 
U7, 
IZ/ 
17 


CMO ON DU BWH — 


— 


Stand 97 
Enchanted Forest 


O Sampling Unit 


1000 


FEET 


Figure 9—Location of substitute subplots in a 10 point cluster. 


There are N = 75 1-acre plots if each cluster occupies 
about 1 acre. 
Y = (17+17+...17)/10 = 16.7 ccf per acre. 
sy? = {(1774+177+ ...177)-(174 174 ... 17)7/10}/ 
(10-1) = 0.4556. 
sy* = {(0.4556/10)*[1 —(10/750)}}"2 = 0.212 ccf per 
acre. 


As this represents a single cluster the sampling formula 
without replacement of points is applied. Values for 
estimated percent error and total stand volume are com- 
puted as: 


%sS_ = (0.212/16.7) * 100 = + 1.27 %. 
Y = 16.7*75 = 1,252.5 ccf for the stand. 


This estimate should carry very little more weight in terms 
of actual information about the stand than a single point, 
and you may notice that it is not a very accurate estimate 
of the stand’s true volume. 


Cost Estimates—Like the single plot estimate for a stand, 
the cost can be computed, but its informational value to an 
inventory forester is minimal. For a single cluster, n = 10, 
i = 70 feet. 


L = [(10 — 1)70]/10,560 = 0.060 hour. 

D = [0.060 + 10(0.5)/8 = 0.6325 hour. 

F = 2(9) [0.060 + 10(0.5) + 0.6325] = $102.46, or 
$1.366 per acre. 


1500 


25 


Discussion—As applied by the USDA Forest Service FIA 
units, the variation among the 10 subplots is not calcu- 
lated because it has been found to be small compared to 
the variation between clusters. The values from the sub- 
plots are simply averaged. It should be noted that the 
variability of a single cluster may be significantly more 
than a sample from a single point and the variability is not 
always insignificant. The cluster sample should not be 
routinely treated as a single plot as it often is. For our 
examples, the results are considered as being from a single 
plot in further computations. 


Because the 10 subplots within a cluster are located close 
to one another, the subplots are frequently similar to each 
other. The cluster therefore may provide less information 
than randomly located plots that are truly independent. 
This reduces the precision of estimates, but cost savings 
from clustering frequently yield the most cost effective 
inventories because the total travel time is reduced. 


The 10-point cluster plot is frequently used in extensive 
forest inventories and where maps of stands are not 
available. When the population of interest is highly vari- 
able, then a sampling system that provides the opportunity 
for a greater distribution of plots throughout the inventory 
unit is preferred. The following are some other options for 


sampling within a stand. When used as a part of a forest 
inventory, each of the options may be considered a form of 
cluster sampling. 


Subjective Sampling 

Subjective sampling is not recommended in this primer. 
There may be occasions in which such a sample has been 
acquired and the analyst must make do with it. Our 
recommendation is to attempt to relate the sample to a 
probability sample. 


Statistical Estimates—Figure 10 shows plot locations 
based upon extremes observed within the stand (sampling 
without preconceived bias). Observations yield estimates 
of 14 and 25 ccf per acre. The results of the inventory 
using the observation of extreme values are: 


(14 + 25)/2 = 19.5 ccf per acre. 
= 19.5 * 75 = 1,462.5 ccf total volume in the stand. 


<< 
! 


Cost Estimates—To develop an equation to compute (L), 
assume the stand to be square and that the crew would 
traverse it diagonally 3.0 times for sampling without 
preconceived bias. The diagonal distance of a 1-acre 
square is 295.16 feet. The diagonal distance across a 
75-acre square stand is 295.16 (75) = 22,137 feet. 


Stand 97 
Enchanted Forest 


O Sampling Unit 
1000 1500 


Figure 10—Location of sampling units within stand 97 using subjective 
sampling without preconceived bias. Plots were located in portions of the 
stand representing extremes in volume per acre. 


26 


Without preconceived bias, two plots (n) are established 
and equations a through c are employed to obtain costs. 


L = [3(22,137)]/10,560 = 6.289 hours. 

D = [6.289 + 2(0.167)]/8 = 0.828 hour. 

F = 1(9) [6.289 + 2(0.167) + 0.828] = $67.06 or 
$0.894 per acre. 


Discussion—A justification often given for this type of 
sampling is that it is quicker than statistical sampling. This 
may be the case, but to select the average condition or the 
extremes it may be necessary to traverse the entire stand 
several times. Travel time within the stand may be equal to 
or greater than that required for probability based sam- 
pling, but time needed to establish plots may be substan- 
tially reduced particularly if the observations are also 
subjectively made. 


One cannot compute a sampling error to evaluate the 
reliability of an estimate based on the extremes. The only 
way to determine how good the estimates are is by 
comparing the results with total enumeration. 


While it is seldom advisable to use subjective sampling 
without preconceived bias, the method may be useful for 
obtaining a rough estimate of the variation within the 
stand or inventory unit which, in turn, could be used to 
determine the sampling intensity necessary to achieve a 
desired precision. The following illustrates how this may 
be done. 


Snedecor and Cochran (1974) provide an equation for 
determining sample size where: 


n = [(t*s,)/(s.* YI? (10) 


where: 

n = The estimated number of sampling units necessary 
to sample within certain prescribed precision and 
confidence limits. 

t = Student's “t;’ which is a value establishing a level of 
probability. The values of “t’ have been tabulated 
and are available in most statistical textbooks, 
including those referenced in this report. 


Where past inventory information is lacking, the standard 
deviation (s,) may be estimated by: 


Syp = B/3 (11) 


where: 
B = the estimated range from the smallest to the largest 
value likely to be encountered in sampling. 


Note: Statistical arguments for using either 3 or 4 in 
equation (11) may be made and both have been suggested 
by respected sources. 


Using the subjective samples of 14 and 25 ccf per acre 
and: 


y = (14 + 25)/2 
s, = (25 - 14)/3 


19.5 ccf per acre. 
3.67 ccf per acre. 


To compute the number of samples (n) required to be 
within + 15 percent sampling error (%s,) at the 95 percent 
probability level, we need to estimate the degrees of 
freedom so that we can obtain a value for “t.” Past 
experience has shown that in similar stands we can use 10 
plots and still be within the allowable sampling error. The 
degrees of freedom are 10 — 1 = 9. Using a table showing 
the distribution of Student's “t’ we find that for the 
95-percent probability level and 9 degrees of freedom, 
“t’ = 2.262. Using equation (10) and the information 
given above: 


n = [(2.262 * 3.67)/(0.15 * 19.5)]* = 8.055, or 9 
samples. 


If the number of plots had changed by an order of 
magnitude, we might need to recompute the number of 
plots allowing for the change in ‘n.’ That is, if 20 plots had 
been required our degrees of freedom would change from 
about 9 to 19 and it would be advisable to solve (10) again 
using the new value for “t.” More information regarding 
sample intensity formulation is found in Freese (1962) and 
in the statistics and sampling references listed at the end of 
this report. 


27 


Complete Enumeration 
Figure 11 shows the mapped results of a complete enu- 
meration. All trees were measured in the stand. 


Statistical Estimates—Stand 97 has a total volume of 
1,425 ccf, or 19 ccf per acre. 


Cost Estimates—n = area of stand or 75 acres, i = O feet. 


L = O hours. 

D = [0 + 75(1)/8 = 9.375 hours. 

F = 2(9) [0 + 75(1) + 9.375] = $1,518.75, or $20.25 
per acre. 


Discussion—The complete enumeration will serve as 
ground truth for summarizing the results obtained by the 
other options. 


Summary of Methods 

Table 4 shows the results of sampling stand 97 by the 
methods discussed. There is no sampling error for the 
complete enumeration because each stand in the popula- 
tion was sampled. There may be error within a stand, but 
for this discussion, we have chosen to ignore it (as do most 
introductory treatises). A sampling error for the subjective 
technique cannot be computed because the plots were not 
chosen randomly. A sampling error cannot be computed 


for the single plot because at least two samples or prior 
information are needed. Similarly, the 10-point cluster is 
considered a single sample sc the variance for the stand 
cannot be estimated, although the variance for the plot 
can be and was computed. 


Statistical Estimates—A direct comparison is not possible 
because the data are replicated only once for each tech- 
nique. However, some general comments or observations 
can be made. 


As may be expected, the 10-point cluster design, being 
considered a single plot, had the least variation. Intuitively 
the systematic distribution should best represent the stand 
and the single plot or cluster sample should be the least 
representative. A systematically distributed sample usually 
encompasses more variation than does a randomly distrib- 
uted sample. This will usually be the case unless some 
cyclic variation in the population chances to coincide with 
the periodicity in the sample. 


Cost Estimates—Table 4 also shows the costs encountered 
for each simulated option and the cost ($S.p) that would 
be required to achieve a desired percent sampling error 
(%Sep). This is computed by the following equation: 


$S.p = $ * (%S,/ %S.p)" (f) 


PSS cca oGRs Soave oes Haul Roag 
stecoaatn 


PRR ON CPL ance 


20 19 


21 


Stand 97 
Enchanted Forest 


1000 1500 
FEET 


Figure 11—Complete enumeration and ground truth for stand 97 show- 
ing the approximate volume (ccf) per acre distribution. The total volume 
for the stand is 1,425 ccf, or 19 ccf per acre. 


28 


Table 4—Volume per acre (ccf) and costs for various sampling methods for stand 97 


Line 

Statistic Random transect Ricochet 
Y (ccf) 1,320.00 1,432.50 1,440.00 
y (ccf) 17.60 19.10 19.20 
Se 13.82 10.99 5.29 
$5 1.18 0.98 0.68 
%S, 6.68 ot 3.53 
Total cost ($) 111.84 106.06 111.84 
Cost per acre ($) 1.49 1.41 1.49 
Total cost @ 5% sample error © 199.62 110.78 55.75 


a—Sampling errors are not knowable for subjectively drawn samples. 
b—A sampling error cannot be computed for only one sample. 
c—Computed by using equation (f). 


where $ = total cost in dollars for a particular option. 


Assume we would like to know what it would cost to 
achieve a desired sampling error of +5 percent 
(“oSep = 5). Using the random sample technique, we 
achieved a + 6.68 percent sampling error at a total cost of 
$102.47. While direct comparisons of the costs are prob- 
ably not advisable, we have scaled the data to a common 
sampling error base for each method and adjusted the 
costs accordingly. Thus for the random sample we find 
that: 


$Sep = 102.47 * (6.68/5)? = $199.62. 


In other words, we would have to put more plots into the 
stand using a random distribution technique to lower the 
sampling error to 5 percent. The total cost for doing so 
would have been $199.62. 


When considering the actual costs, the single plot and 
10-point cluster samples may be the cheapest to establish 
because the travel distance between points may be the 
least. The line transect may be the next cheapest to do and 
the ricochet, random, and systematic distribution should 
be increasingly time consuming (Matern 1960). 


When considering the costs required to achieve a +5 
percent sampling error in this particular stand, and disre- 
garding the cluster sample, the ricochet distribution was 


Subjective 
without Complete 
Systematic Single plot Cluster bias enumeration 

1,432.50 1,275.00 1,252.50 1,462.50 1,425.00 
19.10 17.00 16.70 19.50 19.00 
6.77 0.46 0.00 
0.77 0.21 0.00 
4.01 p 1.27 2 0.00 
111.84 102.46 67.06 1,518.75 
1.49 1.37 0.89 20.25 

71.94 6.61 


the least costly, the systematic sample next, followed by 
the line transect. The random distribution for the example 
given is the most costly to do. If it is laid out properly, the 
field crews can end close to the starting point at the end of 
the stand inventory when using the systematic distribu- 
tion. This may result in further travel cost savings in many 
inventory situations. 


Key to Options—The following is offered as a rough guide 
and key to the selection of a plot distribution technique. 


1. Variation tends to be in the middle of the stand or 


polygon. 
a. Yes. Use line transect. 
b. No. Go to 2. 


2. Variation is greater at the edges of the polygon. 
a. Yes. Use the ricochet technique. 
b. No. Use the systematic distribution. 


While the random distribution can be used in any situa- 
tion, it is seldom employed in stand inventories. The single 
plot or 10-point cluster may result from post stratification 
of inventoried forest stands. There are new techniques 
available for combining inventory information from differ- 
ent sampling, simulation, and growth model sources that 
might improve the value of a single plot (cluster) for an 
estimate of the polygon resource value. (Hansen and Hahn 
1983, Hansen 1984, Green and Strawderman 1988). 


29 


Forest Inventory 


Often inventory objectives are to obtain estimates for 
compartments or forests for planning purposes rather than 
for developing stand prescriptions. This section describes 
various design options that provide both forest and loca- 
tion estimates. Initially this discussion assumes minimal 
information and then progresses to the more complex 
designs using stratified mapped stands. 


The objectives of these simulated inventories are to 
determine: 


e The total wildlife area used by a fictitious creature, the 
red-spotted snaileater (Lund 1986b). 


e The total volume (ccf) of standing timber. 


e The area and timber volume by vegetation type in the 
15,300 acre Enchanted Forest. 


We also wish to show the spatial distribution of timber 
volume in the Forest. 


The calculation of forest-wide statistics is discussed first, 
followed by a discussion of the expansion of sample data 
to all areas within the Forest. 


We will now issue a brief caveat, which will be repeated. 
Selection of a sampling design and associated statistical 
estimators are not independent. Nor are they independent 
of the population for which the estimates are required. 
Computation of estimates for several different sampling 
designs on a single simulated forest is not justified. The 
comparisons do not imply that one method is better than 
another. The results may inform us as to designs that are 
more appropriate for the Enchanted Forest, given its 
peculiar characteristics. However, the techniques pre- 
sented do not lend themselves to adequate comparisons 
directly. Statistical simulations (a statistical forest sampling 
simulator has been recently prepared by Arvanitis and 
Reich 1988) of sampling designs and computational algo- 
rithms would be required to make realistic evaluations of 
the appropriateness of the various techniques. Still, as an 
example of the application of the various techniques, the 
Enchanted Forest is a useful tool. 


The options and equations for obtaining compartment or 
forest estimates are similar to those for obtaining and 
generating information within a stand. The sampling 
strategy options are somewhat similar to those used in the 
stand inventory and range from subjective sampling to 
statistical sampling and on to complete enumeration and 
vary with the amount of available stand information. The 


30 


reader is cautioned that all the designs in this section are 
simulated. Many of the inventory schemes were purposely 
laid out in such a manner that the same field locations 
were chosen to show the effect that different designs could 
have on the estimates generated on a particular stand. 


Mapping and unmeasured area estimates for any attributes 
measured or observed on sample plots or stands can be 
extrapolated to other areas within the inventory unit. 
Extrapolation of sample information to the remaining 
stands in an inventory is usually quite simple. However, 
care must be taken especially when recombination of 
sample units or restratification of the population may 
occur. It is usually advisable to maintain identification of 
the measured units as being different from those units that 
are strictly predicted in a database. 


Note that in the figures associated with the various 
stratified sampling schemes discussed in this report, both 
sampled volumes and stratum averages are displayed. This 
has been done primarily to show the source of the 
estimates. In actual practice, only stratum averages are 
usually displayed in the mapping process. 


Cost estimates given in this section are similar to those 
incurred by the Forest Service Regions (Lund 1987). Cost 
assumptions are as follows: 


Remote sensing acquisition is assumed to be 1:15,840 
color aerial photography and digital tapes of satellite 
imagery of the Enchanted Forest. A coordinated pur- 
chase of complete coverage for several million acres is 
assumed. These assumptions make costs per acre, sim- 
ilar to those found for a real National Forest. 


Aerial photography = $0.032 per acre, or $489.60 for 
the Enchanted Forest. 


Digital satellite imagery = $0.004 per acre, or $61.20 
for the Forest. 
Interpretation including aerial photography or satellite 
imagery. 


Aerial photography = $0.02 per point or acre, or 
$306 for the Forest. 


Satellite imagery = $0.025 per acre, or $382.50 for 
the Forest. 


Mapping, including stand delineation, transfer to stable 
base, and determination of stand area. 


Using aerial photography = $0.075 per acre, or 
$1,147.50 for the Forest. 

Using satellite imagery = $0.02 per acre, or $306.00 
for the Forest. 


Field cost assumptions are the same as discussed under 
the stand inventory section. 


Subjective Sampling 

The disadvantages of using subjective sampling have been 
discussed previously. The danger of bias in the various 
subjective sampling methods cannot be overemphasized. 
For an individual stand, a mistaken prescription might not 
be a calamity, but a consistent bias over all (or most) stands 
in acompartment or forest could lead to some unworkable 
management plans. Therefore, subjective sampling should 
not be used for forest-wide inventories except possibly to 
estimate the coefficient of variation prior to probability 
sampling. 


Assume that subjective sampling without preconceived 
bias of the Enchanted Forest yields estimates of 0 ccf and 
30 ccf per acre. Further assume that 15 percent is an 
acceptable sampling error at the 20-percent probability 
level (t = 1.325 at 19 degrees of freedom). An estimate of 
the number of samples (n) needed to inventory the forest 
may be determined using the subjective sample data as 
follows: 


y = (0 + 30)/2 = 15 ccf per acre. 
s, = (30 — 0)/3 = 10 ccf per acre. 


ry, 
n 


Sample intensity equations for specific designs are found 
in the references listed at the end of this report. 


Inventories Without Prior Stand Mapping 

Inventories without stand mapping are usually conducted 
for broad area assessments where location information is 
not needed or as a prelude to the further development of 
the resource. Such inventories focus on the resource stock 
and the land’s capability to produce on a sustained yield 
basis. The examples given in this report include the use of 
systematic sampling, poststratification, strip cruises, strat- 
ified double sampling, and stratification of satellite imag- 
ery. The inventory units are usually based upon political or 
administrative boundaries. Broad management goals and 
objectives and financial plans for the organization are the 
eventual products (Lund 1985). 


= [(1.325 * 10)/(0.20 * 15)]? = 19.51 or 20 samples. 


If the inventories are conducted so that the field plots are 
established and documented for remeasurement, it may 
be considered a continuous forest inventory or CFI. These 
inventories are typical of the Forest Inventory and Analysis 
units. 


While stand maps may not be available at the start of a 
forest inventory, there are several tools available to pro- 
duce forest volume and area estimates and location maps 
until stand mapping can be done. These techniques are 
also illustrated in this section. Sampled volumes, stratum 
averages, and predicted values are often shown in the 
figures in this report. In actual practice, however, only 
stratum averages or predicted values are usually displayed 
in the mapping process. When using such maps, resource 
managers need to be aware of the source of the informa- 
tion and the sampling errors associated with averages and 
predictions. 


Costs include purchase and interpretation of remote sens- 
ing, where appropriate, plus field costs. For field costs, a 
plot consists of 10 subplots located 70 feet apart. It takes 
0.5 hours for the two-person crew to measure 1 subplot. A 
total of 20 plots are established in each of the following 
examples. 


The time to measure (M) 1 plot (includes subplots) is: 
M = {[(n—1) (]/10,560} + n(0.5) (g) 


where n is the number of subplots and i is the interval in 
feet between subplots. 

Solving for M = {[(10—1)(70)/10,560} + 10(0.5) = 
5.06 hours. 


The plots are located systematically through the Forest at 
60 degrees from one another. The interval between plots 
(I) is: 


224.272 [(15,300/20)"”] = 6,203 feet. 

= [(20—1)6,203]/10,560 = 11.161 hours. 

= [11.161 + 20(5.06))/8 = 14.045 hours. 

= 2(9) [11.161 + 20(5.06) + 14.045] = $2,275.31, 
or $0.149 per acre. 


| 
E 
D 
F 


Systematic Sample—This is a simple, intuitively appealing 
inventory design. A grid is superimposed across the forest 


31 


(fig. 12). Plots are established at the grid intersections. 
Once the initial plot is established or the grid is fixed on 
the area, the remaining design is fixed. For this reason it is 
not truly a random sample. Traditionally, random sampling 
formulae have been applied to this type of sample alloca- 
tion, assuming that a random process is associated with 
distribution of the forest variates of interest. Experience 
indicates that in most cases estimates of variance will be 
conservative. Hence the practicing forester is usually safe 
in applying this type of design, unless there is some 
regular variation in the forest that is correlated with the 
sample placement. A second consideration is that there is 
no possibility that a plot once chosen will recur in the 
sample, hence, this is sampling without replacement. For 


= 


Figure 12—Location of sampling units using a systematic grid over the 
Enchanted Forest. Sampling unit centers are located at 60 degrees and 
6,203 feet from one another. 


a 
Q FEET 5000 


32 


Stott 
3 ODOR 


this example, the field plots are assumed to be 10-point 
clusters covering an area one acre in size. The within-plot 
variance is not considered. 


Statistical Estimates—Assume we want to compute the 
acreage of lands having a particular wildlife use such as 
that of the red-spotted, snaileater. To compute the estimate 
for areas having wildlife use, all plots classed as having 
evidence of snaileater use in the field are assigned a value 
of 1 and all other plots are given a value of zero. The 
results are shown in table 5. 


N = 15,300/1 = 15,300 possible 1 acre plots. 
y=(0 + 1 +...0)/20 = 0.55 or 55% of the area 
shows wildlife use. 


Forest Boundary 


O Field Plot 


Table 5—Results of an inventory of the Enchanted Forest 
using a systematic sample; volumes are in ccf 


Vegetation Wildlife Wildlife Volume/ Volume 

Plot type use estimators acre estimators 

1 Hardwood 0 7 

2 Conifer 1 31 

3 Hardwood 1 8 

4 Hardwood 0 3 

5 Brush/open 1 3 

6 Hardwood 1 7 

7 Hardwood 1 10 

8 Conifer 1 19 

9 Hardwood 0 10 
10 Conifer 0 34 
11 Conifer 1 29 
12 Conifer 0 14 
13 Hardwood 1 17 
14 Conifer 0 8 
15 Hardwood 1 13 
16 Hardwood 1 21 
17 Brush/open 1 6 
18 Conifer 0 18 
19 Hardwood 0 0 
20 Hardwood 0 20 
In 11 278 
y 0.550 13.900 
si 0.260 92.305 
SS 0.114 2.148 
%S, + 20.75 + 15.46 
Y 8,415. 212,670. 


sy = {7 + 17+...07) — (0 + 1+...0)7/20}/ 
(20-1) = 0.2605. 

s; = (0.2605/20)"? = 0.1141 is the standard error of 
mean wildlife use (this is a proportion and as such 
it is difficult to refer to it in terms that are 
completely clear in meaning). 


The equation for sampling without replacement is appro- 
priate because the plots do not have a chance of being 
selected again. 


%oS. = (0.1141/0.55) * 100 = + 20.75 percent. 


a 


Y = 0.5500 * 15,300 = 8,415 acres of wildlife use 
in the Forest. 


Total volume estimators are calculated as follows: 


N = 15,300 possible 1 acre plots. 
y = (7 + 31 +... 20)/20 = 13.90 ccf per acre. 
Sy (Zt 3124.6.%207)—[(7 +. 31+4.... 20)7/ 


20]}/20-1) = 92.3053. 


s; = (92.3053/20) = 2.1483 ccf per acre. 
%S. = (2.1483/13.90)*100 = +15.46%. 


Y = 13.90 * 15,300 = 212,670 ccf for the Forest. 


Area and total volume estimates by vegetation type are 
computed similarly. For the conifer type, all plots not 
classed as conifer are assigned a value of 0 for volume and 
area. Table 6 lists the estimates for the conifer vegetation 
type. The areas are: for conifer type 5,355 acres, for 
hardwoods 8,415 acres, and for brush/open 1,530 acres. 


The volume of timber in the conifer type is 117,045 ccf; in 
the hardwood type the volume is 88,740 ccf; and in the 
brush/open type, the estimated volume is 6,885 ccf. 


Mapping and Unmeasured Area Estimates—Maps show- 
ing the approximate location or distribution of the re 
sources can be generated by the use of cells, isolines, or by 
partial field mapping. 


Table 6—Results and estimates for conifer vegetation type 
using a systematic sample of the Enchanted 
Forest; volumes are in ccf 

Plot Volume/acre 


Volume estimators Type ‘Type estimators 


1 0 0 
2 31 1 
3 0 0 
4 0) 0 
5 0) 0 
6 ) 0 
7 0 0 
8 19 1 
9 0 0) 
10 34 1 
11 29 1 
12 14 1 
13 0 0 
14 8 1 
15 0) 0 
16 0 0 
17 0 0) 
18 18 1 
19 0) ) 
20 ft) 0) 
mn 153 Ti 
y 7.650 0.350 
si? 143.818 0.239 
Sy 2.682 0.109 
%s, + 35.05 + 31.26 
Y 117,045. 5,355. 


33 


Figure 13 illustrates the use of cells. Each field plot has an 
area expansion factor (EF) where: 


EF = A/n (12) 
The expansion factor for the plots established in this 
sample design is: 


EF = 15,300/20 = 765 acres per plot. 
The 765 acres surrounding each plot center are character- 
ized as the same as the plot itself. Because the plots in the 


example above were established using a grid of equilateral 
triangles, the cells take on the form of hexagons. Areas 


Lr) 
0 FEET 5000 


outside the plot locations are assumed to have the average 
characteristics of the Forest as a whole. Thus those areas 
are assumed to have 13.90 ccf per acre. Mapping suitable 
red-spotted snail eater habitat is a challenging task. The 
presence or absence of indicators of habitat even in 
sampled stands may not represent the proportion of the 
area actually utilized. Because the sampling fraction is 
quite small it may be most informative simply to associate 
the estimated proportion with each stand instead of 
indicating the presence or absence of habitat for the 
sampled stands. An alternative is to employ an advanced 
multivariate classification procedure to the sampled stands 
and predict presence or absence based on these findings. 


Forest Boundary 


Figure 13—Mapping showing measured (*) and Forest average (a) Conifer 

volume (ccf) per acre based on a systematic sample. Each hexagon O) Hardwood 

represents 765 acres. Brush/Open 
O Field Plot 


Figure 14 illustrates the use of isolines for mapping 
volume distribution. The map is produced by considering 
the total volumes or volumes per acre at each sample point 
as elevations points. Isolines or contours of equal volumes 
are then developed through interpolation (Wiant and 
Knight 1982). Heine (1986) presents a total of four other 
ways of interpolation. 


Partial mapping involves mapping stands or parts of stands 
during the course of establishing field plots. In the exam- 
ple shown in figure 15, the field crew delineated the stand 
boundaries on aerial photography as the sample plots 
were established using ground referencing. This informa- 


Forest Boundary 


tion was transferred to a base map. This technique is used 
by the Rocky Mountain Region (Mehl 1984). 


Cost Estimates—The only cost is the field cost. 


F = $2,275.31, or $0.149 per acre. 


Discussion—Systematic sampling was very common in the 
Forest Service from about 1930 to the mid-1960’s (Stott 
1968). It is useful where remote sensing is lacking or 
where data on multiple resources are desired. Statistical 
estimates from systematic samples are usually computed 
from simple random sampling formulae. Experience has 


=z 


Figure 14—An isoline map of the Enchanted Forest showing contours of O Field Plot 


volume (ccf) per acre based upon interpolation of the systematic sample. 


35 


usually validated the application of these mixed design- 
computation-procedures. If the reliability of the estimates 
is extremely important as might be the case for an 
inventory that was being disputed in court, a systematic 
sample such as is described could be modified by includ- 
ing some sort of randomization process for subsets of the 
plots to assure multiple random starts within the area of 
interest. Computations would then follow the procedures 
for systematic sampling plans as described in Cochran 
(1977) or other statistical sampling texts. 


Stratified Sampling—Often the forest is heterogeneous with 
respect to forest type, maturity, or site class. It may be 


= 


< 
Shorter, 


> 


= 


worthwhile to consider stratified sampling if these character- 
istics are of interest or if the variance within the categories is 
more homogeneous than the overall forest. In stratified 
sampling, units of population are grouped together on the 
basis of similar characteristics. These groups are called strata. 
Total variance can be reduced by the amount of variance that 
can be attributed to the difference between the strata. For 
instance, suppose that a large tract of land had considerable 
merchantable volume interspersed with recently regenerated 
stands. Estimates of overall volume and the associated stan- 
dard errors will be considerably reduced if the forest is 
partitioned into merchantable and nonmerchantable strata. 
Stratification may be made after plots are established (post- 


Forest Boundary 


Soe 


Figure 15—Mapping of stands around the sample plots showing meas- §3 Conifer 
ured (*) and Forest average (a) volume (ccf) per acre. C) Hardwood 
Brush/Open 
O Field Plot 
(Initial) 


36 


Stratification), or it may be done before plots are selected 
(prestratification). 


Poststratification—In a poststratification design, plots are 
simply grouped by similar characteristics and the variance 
is computed for each stratum and then pooled for the 
forest as a whole. The number of samples in a given 
stratum is not predetermined, so there is a random com- 
ponent to the estimates of standard error and confidence 
limits. Some strata may have been poorly represented in 
the sample and estimates for these strata may be highly 
variable. In some ways post stratification can be likened to 
establishment of classification strata in remotely sensed 
multispectral imagery. 


Systematic Sample—Table 7 shows the results of an 
inventory of the Enchanted Forest using poststratification 
of the same plots established under the systematic sample 
described above (fig. 12). The plots were group based on 
vegetation type. There were 7 plots in the conifer type, 11 
in the hardwood type, and 3 in the brush/open class. 


Statistical Estimates—The estimators are computed 
first for each sampling strata and then combined for the 


inventory unit as a whole. 


The area in each stratum (A;) is computed as follows: 


A; = A*(nj/N;) (13) 
Where n,; = number of plots in stratum. 
N; = total number of plots in inventory. 


i=c, h, or b for conifers, hardwoods, or 
brush/open strata respectively 
A. = 15,300 * (7/20) = 5,355 acres of conifers. 


For area and volume estimates in the conifer vegetation 
type, n. = 7, N. = 5,355 acres. 


To compute the area estimators for wildlife or the snaileat- 
ers use within each stratum, all plots classed as having 
some sign of use are assigned a value of 1 and all other 
plots are given a value of zero. 


Table 7—Results of poststratification of a systematic 
sample of the Enchanted Forest; volumes are in 
ccf 


Stratum 
Conifer 


Hardwood 


Brush/open 


Enchanted 
Forest 


Plot 
2 


Wildlife 
use 


wooo-oo°o--— 


oooj--=+0++0+-0 


Wildlife 
estimators 


0.429 
0.286 
0.202 
+ 47.14 
0.005 
2,295. 


Volume/ Volume 
acre estimators 
31 
19 
34 
29 
14 
8 
18 
153 
21.857 
93.143 
3.648 
+ 16.68 
1.628 
117,045. 
7 
8 
3 
7 
10 
10 
17 
13 
21 
0 
20 
116 
10.546 
44.673 
2.015 
+ 19.11 
1.227 
88,740 
3 
6 
9 
4.500 
4.500 
1.500 
+ 33.33 
0.022 
6,885. 
212,670. 
13.900 
1.696 
+ 12.20 


37, 


For the conifer (c) stratum: 


Yo. = (1 + 1 +...0)/7 = 0.4286 acres of wildlife 
use per acre of stratum or 42.9 percent of the 
conifer stratum showed evidence of use. 

(Sea = (Sheila ate) Cou ( Tle sapere 
(7-1) = 0.2857. 

(5;). = (0.2857/7)"? = 0.2020 standard error for wild- 
life use per acre. Note that the f.p.c. is much 
less than .5 percent and is omitted. 

ec = (0.2020/0.4286) * 100 = + 47.14 %. 

Yo = 0.4286 * 5,355 = 2,295 acres of wildlife use in 
the conifer stratum. 


os 
o 
n 

— 
| 


Estimates of variance for a stratum are weighted by the 

proportion of plots in the stratum in order to obtain 

estimates for the Forest as a whole: 

(s,7); = [s? * (N/N)?/n] * [1 - (n,/N)] (14) 
-[ 


(S57). (0:2857,"*1(6,355/15,300)4/71 = = (7 
5,355)] = 0.0050 


The same variance estimators are computed for the hard- 
wood and brush/open strata. The area estimates are com- 
bined for the Forest as follows where: 


Y = The total value in the Enchanted Forest. 


Y=(J, + fot... + V%) (15) 
Y = (2,295 + 4,590 + 1,530) = 8,415 acres of 
wildlife use in the Forest. 
Y = The mean value in the Enchanted Forest. 
Y = Y/A (16) 
Y = 8,415/15,300 = 0.5500 proportion of wildlife 
use. 


Sy = The standard error of the mean for the Forest 
computed from the estimates for individual 
Strata (from Freese 1962) is: 


: so)? (17) 
Sy = (0.005 + 0.0075 + 0)? = 0.1117 wildlife use 
per acre. 
%oSe = The estimated sampling error of the mean value 
for the Forest expressed as a percent where: 
%S, = ( Sy/Y¥) (18) 
%S_ = (0.1117/0.5500) * 100 = +20.31%. 


2 2 
Sy = [ji + So +. 


38 


. 0)7/7]}/ 


For total volume estimates: 


Yo = (314+19+ ...18)/7 = 21.8571 ccf per acre. 
= teC(Bilie a> 1g) a1 Giller Oe eae) 
77-1) = 93.1429. 
(3). = (93.1429/7)"? = 3.6477 ccf per acre. 
(3.6477/21.86) * 100 = + 16.68%. 
Yo = 21.86 * 5,355 = 117,045.00 ccf in conifer 

stratum. 

(577). = [93.1429 * (5,355/15,300)7/7] * [1 - (7/ 
5,355)]* 0.0050. 


_ 
o 
%,) 

v) 

— 
fe) 
ll 


The same estimators are computed for the hardwood and 
brush/open strata. The estimates are combined for the 
Forest as follows where: 


Y = (117,045 + 88,740 + 6,885) = 212,670 ccf in 
the Forest. 

Y = 212,670/15,300 = 13.90 ccf per acre. 

Sy = (1.6279 + 1.2269 + 0.0225)'"? = 1.6962 ccf 


per acre. 
%S_ = (1.6962/13.90) * 100 = + 12.20%. 


The estimated area and volume by vegetation type are 
computed similarly. To compute estimates for the conifer 
type, for example, all plots not classed as conifer are 
assigned a value of O for volume and area. The area of 
conifer type is 2,295 acres; the area of hardwoods is 4,590 
acres; and the area of brush/open is 1,530 acres. 


The estimated total volume for each vegetation type is 
117,045 ccf for conifer, 88,740 ccf for hardwood, and 
6,885 ccf for the brush/open type respectively. 


Mapping and Unmeasured Area Estimates—The op- 
tions are the same as for systematic sampling. 


Cost Estimates—The costs are the same as for sys- 
tematic sampling. The only cost is the field cost. 


F = $2,275.31, or $0.149 per acre. 


Discussion—There is little use of this technique in 
the USDA Forest Service. The procedure does offer the 
advantage of lowering the sampling error with no addi- 
tional field work or costs. It remains something of a 
mystery why the method has not been widely imple 
mented. Perhaps a combination of circumstances can be 
invoked for the apparent disuse. Where there is a large 
potential for stratification in the South, there is also the 
possibility of rapid forest type change. In much of the West 
where stratification could be applied, growth rates are 


slow enough that inventories are seldom necessary and 
hence are performed only near the rotation age on 
National Forests. 


Strip Cruising—These techniques are based on the 
traditional strip cruise. Plots are laid out in strips or on a 
grid. The inventory crew maps strips of the Forest as they 
travel from plot to plot. Under the technique shown in 
figure 16, a total of 15,833.33 feet of lines were run. 
During the course of the inventory, a tally was kept of the 
number of feet of transect line run in each vegetation type. 
There were 6,792 feet run in the conifer type, 8,208 feet 
run in the hardwood type, and 833 feet run in the 


Forest Boundary 


brush/open class. These figures provide the stratum 
weights. 


Statistical Estimates—Table 8 shows the result of the 
inventory where: 


A. = 15,300*(6,792 / 15,833) = 6,563 acres. 


For area and volume estimates in the conifer vegetation 
type, n. = 7, N. = 6,563 acres. The area estimates for the 
red-spotted snaileater wildlife usage within the conifer 
stratum are computed as follows. As before, plots having 
signs of wildlife use are assigned a value of 1 and all other 
plots are given a value of zero. 


=z 


Figure 16—Location of strip cruise lines and field plots across the E] Conifer 

Enchanted Forest. O) Hardwood 
Brush/Open 
O Field Plot 


39 


Table 8—Results of an inventory of the Enchanted Forest 
using strip cruising; volumes are in ccf 


Wildlife Wildlife | Volume/ Volume 
Stratum Plot use estimators acre estimators 
Conifer 3 1 31 
9 1 19 
1 0 34 
19 0 29 
14 1 14 
6 0 8 
7 0 18 
In, 3 153 
y 0.429 21.857 
S27 0.286 93.143 
sy 0.202 3.648 
%s, + 47.14 + 16.69 
(S57). 0.008 2.446 
Vc 2,813. 143,448. 
Hardwood 11 0 7 
12 1 8 
10 0 3 
2 1 7 
13 1 10 
5 0 10 
8 1 17 
20 1 13 
18 1 21 
17 0 0 
16 0 20 
In, 6 116 
y 0.546 10.545 
s,? 0.273 44.673 
Sy 0.158 2.015 
%S, + 28.87 + 19.11 
(Syn 0.007 1.090 
Vn 4,326. 83,647. 
Brush/open 4 1 3 
15 1 6 
In, 2 9 
y 1.000 4.500 
So 0.000 4.500 
0.000 1.500 
%S, + 0.00 + 33.33 
(S57)> 0. 0.006 
Yb 805. 3,622. 
Enchanted Y 7,944. 230,717 
Forest Y 0.519 15.079 
Sy 0.119 1.882 
%S_ + 22.91 + 12.48 


40 


For the conifer (c) stratum: 


Yo = (1+1+...0)/7 = 0.4286, or 42.86 percent 
wildlife use of the stratum. 
(7). = {24 124 3. 02) —(ie tee 02/73/71) 
= 0.2857. 
(sy). = (0.2857/7)? = 0.2020. 
(%S.)- = (0.2020/0.4286) * 100 = + 47.14%. 
Y. = 0.4286*6,563 = 2,812.7 acres of wildlife use 
in the conifer stratum. 
(57). = [0.2857 * (6,563/15,300)7/7] * [1 — (7/ 
6,563)] = 0.0075. 


The same estimators are computed for the hardwood and 
brush/open strata. The area estimates are combined for the 
Forest as follows where: 


Y = (2,813 + 4,326 + 805) = 7,944 acres of wildlife 
use in the Forest. 


We repeat that expressing the acreage is simply a way of 
dealing with an important classification variable. 


Y = 7,944.4/15,300 = 0.5192 proportion of wildlife 
use. 
Sy = (0.0075 + 0.0067 + 0)"? = 0.1190 wildlife use 
per acre. 
%S_ = (0.1190/0.5192) * 100 = + 22.91 %. 


For total volume estimates: 


VY. = (31+19 + ... 18)/7 = 21.8571 ccf per acre. 

(5/7). = {(317+197+ ... 187)-(314+19 +... 18)?/ 
7}(7-1) = 93.143. 
(s3). = (93.143/7)"? = 3.648 ccf per acre. 

(%S.). = (3.6458/21.85) * 100 = + 16.69 %. 

Yo = 21.8571 * 6,563 = 143,448.43 ccf in conifer 
stratum. 
[93.1429 * (6,563/15,300)7)/7] * [1 — (7/ 
6,563)] = 2.4457. 


(7), 


The same estimators are computed for the hardwood and 
brush/open strata. 


These estimates are then combined for the Forest as 
follows where: 


Y = (143,448.4286 + 83,646.5455 + 3,622.5) = 
230,717.474 ccf in the Forest. 
Y = 230,717.474/15,300 = 15.0796 ccf per acre. 
Sy = (2.4457 + 1.09 + 0.0062)" = 1.8820 ccf per 
acre 
%Se = (1.882 / 15.0796)*100 = + 12.48%. 


The estimated area and volume by vegetation type are 
similarly computed. To compute estimates for the conifer 
type, for example, all plots not classed as conifer are 
assigned a value of 0 for volume and area. The area of 
conifer type is 6,563 acres, the area of hardwoods is 7,932 
acres, and the area of brush/open is 805 acres. 


The estimated total volume for each vegetation type is 
143,448 ccf for conifer, 83,646 ccf for hardwood, and 
3,623 ccf for the brush/open type respectively. 


Mapping and Unmeasured Area Estimates—Areas 


outside the sampled and mapped strips are assumed to 
have the average conditions of the inventory unit as a 


Forest Boundary 


Figure 17—Mapping showing measured (*), stratum average (s), and 
Forest average (a) volume (ccf) per acre based on the strip cruise 
inventory. 


whole (15.08 ccf per acre). Within the mapped strips, 
unmeasured areas are assigned the average values for the 
stratum in which they fall. See figure 17. 


Cost Estimates—The costs are the same as for sys- 
tematic sampling. The only cost is the field cost. 


F = $2,275, or $0.149 per acre. 


Discussion—This technique was used in the early 
days of the USDA Forest Service, but is seldom used today. 
Line intersect sampling (a hybrid probability sample and a 
line transect) has been used to sample downed woody 
material to evaluate fire hazard potential (Brown 1974, De 
Vries 1986). 


= 


41 


Prestratification—By prestratifying, a heterogeneous inven- 
tory unit is divided into homogeneous subunits (strata). 
Each stratum is then sampled for additional attributes. The 
strata estimates are combined to give a population esti- 
mate. Stratification has provided satisfactory estimates of 
the inventory unit as a whole with less field work than if 
stratification had not been used (MacLean 1972). 


The principle means of obtaining prestratification informa- 
tion is usually by interpreting remote sensing imagery. 
Strata may be formed along many lines, such as overstory 
density classes, vegetation types, or even administrative 
units (though this latter may not result in gains in inventory 
efficiency). Strata should: (1) be logically related to item or 


= 


| 
0 FEET 5000 


Figure 18—Location of systematic distribution of photo points in the 
Enchanted Forest. Points are located at 60 degrees and 3,101 feet from 
one another. 


42 


items of information sought; (2) exist in nature or be 
artificially established; (3) represent a relative homoge- 
neous condition with respect to the estimates that can be 
defined in specific terms; (4) have differentiating criteria 
easily recognizable from remote sensing, maps, and from 
the ground; (5) represent a grouping that the manager 
definitely wants sampled on the ground; and (6) be 
meaningful to the manger (Lund 1978a and b). 


To eliminate potential biases and to keep calculations 
simple, the same plot configuration should be used 
throughout the sampling stratum. Plot configuration may 
be changed between strata but not within. 


A Photo Point 
O Field Plot 


Stratified Double Sampling—A grid of points is 
established across the inventory unit (fig. 18). These points 
are usually transferred to aerial photos, which are in turn 
interpreted for attributes to form sampling strata (in this 
case overstory crown cover or density class). The photo- 
interpreted points are the primary sampling units. These 
are stratified and subsampled in the field as secondary 
sampling units (fig. 19). The use of random numbers or a 
systematic system with a random start may be used to 
select the secondary sample within each stratum. At least 
two sample plots must be chosen in each stratum. 


In this example, three density classes—low, medium, and 
high density—were formed. A total of 80 photo points 


Forest Boundary 


ES tn ae 


eee neces 


were established: 32 in the low density strata; 25 in the 
medium density class; and 23 in the high crown cover 
category. These photo points were subsampled with field 
plots. Ten photo points were measured in the field in the 
low density strata; 6 points were field measured in the 
medium strata; and 4 were measured in the high density 
class. 


Statistical Estimates—The results of an inventory of 
the Enchanted Forest using the stratified double sample of 
photo points are shown in table 9, where the area and 
volume estimators are computed as follows: 


=z 


a | 
0 FEET 5000 


Figure 19—Location of stratified photo points and field samples based Density Classes 


upon overstory density classes in the Enchanted Forest. 


00 0-30% 
31-60% 
614+% 

O Field Plot 


43 


Table 9—Results of an inventory of the Enchanted Forest using a stratified double sample of photo interpreted points; 
volumes are in ccf 


Stratum Point Vegetation type Wildlife use Wildlife estimators Volume/acre Volume estimators 

Low density 1 Hardwood 0 7 

10 Hardwood 1 8 

12 Hardwood 0 3 

14 Brush/open 1 3 

16 Hardwood 1 U 

28 Hardwood 1 10 

50 Conifer 0 8 

60 Hardwood 1 13 

64 Brush/open 1 6 

75 Hardwood 0 0 

rn, 6 65 

y 0.600 6.500 

si? 0.266 14.055 

s;* 0.135 0.983 

%S, + 22.57 + 15.12 

(S57), 0.003. 0.155 

vi 3,672. 39,780. 
Medium density 32 Hardwood 0 10 

44 Conifer 1 29 

46 Conifer 0 14 

48 Hardwood 1 ZA 

66 Conifer 0 18 

77 Hardwood 0 20 

one 2 108 

y 0.333 18.000 

s,? 0.267 41.200 

s;* 0.184 2.284 

%S, + 55.14 + 12.69 

(S37)m 0.003 0.510 

Vn 1,594. 86,062. 
High density 3 Conifer 1 31 

30 Conifer 1 19 

34 Conifer 0 34 

62 Hardwood 1 21 

rn, 3 105 

y 0.750 26.250 

s,? 0.250 54.250 

Sa 0.227 3.347 

%S, + 30.30 + 12.75 

(S3)n 0.004 0.926 

Vn 3,299. 115,467. 
Enchanted Forest Y 8,565. 241,310. 

y 0.559 15.771 

Sy 0.102 1.261 

%S_ + 18.30 + 8.00 


The area in each stratum (Aj,A,,,Ap, representing low, 
medium and high density, respectively) is computed as 
follows: 


A; = 15,300*(32/80) = 6,120 acres. 


For area and volume estimates in the low density type n, = 
10, N,; = 32 plots. 


To compute the area estimators for the snail-eater wildlife 
use within each stratum, all plots classed as having 
wildlife use are assigned a value of 1 and all other plots are 
given a value of 0. For the low density stratum: 


(y), = (0 + 1 + 
wildlife use. 

(5/7), = {(07 + 17+ ...07) - (0 + 1+... 0)7/10}/ 
(10 — 1) = 0.2667. 

(s)*, = (0.2667/10) * [1-(10/32)]"7 = 0.1354 wild- 
life use per plot. Note that a large portion of 
the sample is drawn, hence the f.p.c. is neces- 
sary in the computation. 

(%s,); = (0.1354/0.6000) * 100 = + 22.57%. 

y; = 0.6000 * 6,120 = 3,672.0 acres of wildlife 
use in the low density stratum. 

(5)? = [0.2667 * (32/80)7/10] * [1 — (10/32)] = 
0.0029. 


...0)/10 = 0.60 proportion of 


The same estimators are computed for the medium and 
high density strata. The area estimates are combined for 
the Forest as follows where: 


Y = (3,672 + 1,593.75 + 3,299.0625) = 
8,565.8125 acres of wildlife use in the Forest. 
Y = 8,564.8125/15,300 = 0.5598 wildlife use per 
acre. 
Sy = (0.0029 + 0.0033 + 0.0043)? = 
proportion of wildlife use. 
%S_ = (0.1025/0.56) * 100 = + 18.30%. 


0.1025 


For total volume estimates: 


(y), = (7 + 8+ ...0)/10 = 6.500 ccf per acre. 

(s7), = {777 + 8? +...07)-[(7+8+ ...0)7/10]}/ 
(10-1) = 14.0556. 

(5,)", = (14.0556/10) * [1 — (10/32)]"? = 0.983 ccf 
per acre. 

(%5_), = (0.983/6.500) * 100 = + 15.12%. 

y,; = 6.500 * 6,120 = 39,780 ccf in the low density 

stratum. 

(s;?), = [14.0556 * (32/80)7/10] * [1 - (10/32)] = 
0.1546. 


The same estimators are computed for the medium and 
high density strata. 


The estimates are combined for the Forest as follows 
where: 


Y = (39,780 + 86,062.5 + 115,467.1875) = 
241,309.6875 ccf in the Forest. 
Y = 241,309.6875 / 15,300 = 15.7719 ccf per acre. 
Sy = (0.1546 + 0.5096 + 0.9261)? = 1.2611 ccf 
per acre. 
%S_ = (1.2611 / 15.7719) * 100 = + 8.00%. 


The estimated area and volume by vegetation type are 
similarly computed. To compute estimates for the conifer 
type, for example, all plots not classed as conifer are 
assigned a value of O for volume and area. Table 10 shows 
the results for the conifer type. The area of conifer type is 
6,301 acres, the area of hardwoods is 7,774 acres, and the 
area of brush/open is 1,224 acres. The estimated total 
volume for each vegetation type is 145,879 ccf for conifer, 
89,922 ccf for hardwood, and 5,508 ccf for the brush/ 
open type respectively. 


Mapping and Unmeasured Area Estimates—The op- 
tions for creating map displays are the same as those given 
under systematic sampling. Each photo plot has an expan- 
sion factor (EF) or represents an area of 191.25 acres. To 
illustrate the source of estimates, field sampled photo 
points retain their measured values. Other photo points 
take on the stratum averages. All other areas are assigned 
the average for the inventory unit. See figure 20. 


Cost Estimates—The field costs are the same as for 
the systematic sample plus the cost of purchasing aerial 
photography of the Forest plus the costs of interpreting 80 
points at $0.02 per point. 


Field costs = $2,275 
Aerial photography = 489 
Photo interpretation = 2 
Total costs = $2,766, or $0.181 per acre. 


45 


Table 10—Results and estimates for conifer vegetation type using the stratified double sampling of photo points; volumes 


are in ccf 


Stratum 
Low density 


Medium density 


High density 


Enchanted Forest 


Point Volume/acre 
1 0 


a 
(=) 
mooowmwooocae 


bs 
Foko& 


Volume estimators 


145,879.125 
9.534 
2.442 


Type 


-ooo-oao0:0c0 000 


oo}-o--_OA0 


woo — — 


Type estimators 


6,301 .687 
0.411 
0.095 


5 + 23.13 


46 


Discussion—This technique is very common in the 
United States, particularly by the USDA Forest Service 
Forest Inventory and Analysis Units (Beltz 1984, Cost 
1984, Hahn 1984, Born 1984, and Ohmann 1984). 
Stratified double sampling is particularly useful where 
aerial photography exists and large areas must be covered 
in a short period of time. Some attention to the ages of 
photographs and to the classification of points versus areas 
of photographs could improve the estimates obtained from 
the technique. Unfortunately, stratified double sampling is 
too often applied as if there were no differences in ages of 
photography and the point classification. These problems 
are minor though they probably should be considered for 


Forest Boundary 


applications where areas are the most important factor in 
the inventory. 


Lund (1974) also used this technique for forest inventories 
in the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Man- 
agement, and Lund and Kniesel (1975) used the same 
process to inventory multiresource values, including herb- 
age production, soil surface factors, soil cover, and deer- 
days use. 


The Northeast FIA unit uses a modification of this tech- 
nique and sampling with partial replacement (Barnard 
1984). Sampling with partial replacement (SPR) is very 


=z 


Figure 20—Mapping showing measured (*), stratum average (s), and Density Classes 


Forest average (a) volume (ccf) per acre based on the stratified double 


sample of photo points. Each hexagon approximately represents 191 
acres. 


0 0-30% 
31-60% 
614+% 


47 


effective for remeasurements or reinventories when stra- 
tum weights remain relatively stable over periods between 
inventories and the variables of interest are few. There are 
significant computational and data storage and retrieval 
costs associated with SPR that must be considered in a 
practical application of the method. Further discussion of 
SPR is beyond the scope of this report. The reader may 
consult the references given at the end of this publication 
for further details. 


Use of Satellite Imagery—Earth-orbiting satellites, 
such as Landsat, have been applied to research inventories 
for broad mapping of forest resources and for forming 


=z 


sampling strata (Langley 1975, and Poso 1986). Figure 21 
is a simulated satellite scene of the Enchanted Forest. The 
pixels are 15 acres in size. A sampling frame consisting of 
1,020 possible cells is constructed for the Enchanted 
Forest. Three sampling strata based upon apparent vege- 
tation density or canopy cover are created through classi- 
fication of the scene. Classification techniques are becom- 
ing increasingly automated and produce increasingly 
repeatable results. While the earliest applications for 
forestry inventory were overly optimistic about the capa- 
bilities of satellite imagery acquisition, cost, interpreta- 
tion, continuous improvements have made the practical 
application on a large scale more and more realistic. 


Forest Boundary 


Figure 21—Raster mapping of satellite imagery showing vegetation Overstory Density 


O 0-30% 
31-60% 
61+% 

O Field Plot 


density classes and location of field plots selected based on stratified 
sampling with probability proportional to size. Each square or pixel 
equals 15 acres approximately. 


While our example forest is too small to warrant satellite 
imagery, it does serve to illustrate some possible uses of 
digital imagery. 


Satellite imagery was used to classify pixels into vegetation 
density classes. Foresters might think of these as crown 
densities for forest stands older than the youngest seedling 
and sapling stands. Crown densities were classified thus: 
6,240 acres (416 cells) at 0 to 30 percent; 5,115 acres (341 
cells) at 31 to 60 percent; and 3,945 acres (263 cells) at 61 
percent or greater. The number of cells are used to 
determine the strata weights. 


A grid is superimposed across the classified satellite scene. 
Potential field plots are established at the grid intersections 
and grouped by the density classes resulting in a stratified 
sample of the forest. At least two samples are required per 
stratum. If the grid does not yield a sample of a particular 
stratum, the grid intensity can be increased or a special 
grid may be created for the unmeasured stratum. 


Statistical Estimates—The results of the sample of 
the Enchanted Forest are given in table 11. For area and 
volume estimates in the low-density type, n, = 9, N; = 
416 cells. 


To compute the area estimators for snaileater use within 
each stratum, all plots classed as having the wildlife use 
are assigned a value of 1 and all other plots are given a 
value of zero. For the low-density stratum: 


y, = (0+ 1+...0)/9 = 0.5556 proportion of 
wildlife use acres. 
(s/7), = {07 + 17+ ... 07) 
(9-1) = 0.2778. 
(ss)) = (0.2778/9)"? = 0.1757 standard error of esti- 
mate for proportion of wildlife use. 
(%S,); = (0.1757/0.5556) * 100 = +31.62 %. 
y, = 0.5556*6,240 = 3,466.667 acres of wildlife 
use in the low-density stratum. 
(S,)?, = [0.2778 + (416/1020)7/9] * [1 - (9/416)] = 
0.005. 


(0+1+ ...0)7/9}/ 


The same estimators are computed for the medium- and 
high-density strata. The area estimates are combined for 
the Forest as follows where: 


Y= (3,466.6667 + 2,557.5 + 2,367) = 8,391.1667 
acres of wildlife use in the Forest. 
Y = 8,391.1667/15,300 = 54.84 percent wildlife 
use in the area. 
Sy = (0.005 + 0.0055 + 0.0039)? = 0.1201 ccf per 
acre. 
%S_- = (0.1201/0.5484) * 100 = +21.90%. 


For total volume estimates: 


¥, = (7+ 8+...0)/9 = 6.5556 ccf per acre. 
(Sot); mut(Zon +) Bate. Og (7 + Bi. 1O)/ 
9}/(9-1) = 15.7778. 
(s3), = (15.78/9)"? = 1.3240 ccf per acre. 


(%s,), = (1.324/6.56) * 100 = + 20.20 %. 
y, = 6.5556 * 6,240 = 40,906.6667 ccf in the 
low-density stratum. 
(S5))7 = [15.7778 + 416/1020)7/9] * [1 — (9/416)] = 


0.2853. 


The same estimators are computed for the medium and 
high-density strata. The estimates are combined for the 
Forest as follows where: 


Y = (40,906.6667 + 80,135 + 98,625) = 
219,666.6667 ccf total volume in the Forest. 

Y = 219,666.6667/15,300 = 14.3573 ccf per acre. 

Sy = (0.2853 + 1.1468 + 0.6326)"? = 1.4369 ccf 

per acre. 

%S_ = (1.4369/14.3573) * 100 = + 10.01 %. 


The estimated area and volume by vegetation type are 
similarly computed. To compute estimates for the conifer 
type, for example, all plots not classed as conifer are 
assigned a value of 0 for volume and area. Table 12 shows 
the estimates for the conifer type. The area of conifer type 
is 5,618 acres, the area of hardwoods is 8,136 acres, and 
the area of brush/open is 1,546 acres. 


The estimated total volume is 123,825 ccf for conifer, 
88,646 ccf for hardwood, and 7,195 ccf for the brush/ 


open type respectively. 


49 


Table 11—Results of an inventory of the Enchanted Forest using stratified satellite imagery; volumes are in ccf 


Stratum 
Low density 


Medium density 


High density 


Enchanted Forest 


50 


Plot Vegetation type 
1 Hardwood 
3 Hardwood 
4 Hardwood 
5 Brush/open 
6 Hardwood 
7 Hardwood 
14 Conifer 
15 Hardwood 
19 Hardwood 
=n, 
y 2 
Sy 
Sy 
%S_ 
(S57) 
vi 
9 Hardwood 
11 Conifer 
12 Conifer 
13 Hardwood 
18 Conifer 
17 Brush/open 
Inn 
y 2 
Sy 
SS 
%S, 
(S57)m 
Ym 
2 Conifer 
8 Conifer 
10 Conifer 
16 Hardwood 
20 Hardwood 
rn, 
y 2 
Sy 
SS 
%S, 
(S57)n 
y 
Y 
Y 
Sy 
%S_ 


Wildlife use 


o-OoO+-0+-0 ao -o--+" 00 


woo-o—- — 


Wildlife estimators 


0.555 
0.278 
0.175 
+ 31.62 
0.005 
3,466. 


0.500 
0.300 
0.224 
+ 44.72 
0.006 
2,557. 


Volume/acre 


OWWONWWON 


Volume estimators 


15.666 
62.666 
3.232 
+ 20.63 
1.147 
80,135. 


Table 12—Results and estimates for the conifer vegetation type using stratified satellite imagery of the Enchanted Forest; 
volumes are in ccf 


Stratum Plot Volume/acre Volume estimators Type Type estimators 
Low density 1 0 0 
3 0 0 
4 0 0 
5 0 0 
6 0 0 
q 0 0 
14 8 1 
15 0 0 
19 0 0 
<n, 8 1 
y 0.889 0.111 
Ss 7.111 0.111 
Sy 0.889 0.110 
%S, + 100 + 100 
(S;)*; 0.129 0.002 
"7 5,546. 693. 
Medium density 9 0 0 
11 29 1 
12 14 1 
13 0 0 
18 18 1 
17 0 0 
Inn 61 3 
y 10.167 0.500 
37 148.167 0.300 
Ss; 4.969 0.224 
%S, + 48.88 + 44.33 
(S3)?m 2.711 0.006 
\he 52,002. 2,557. 
High density 2 31 1 
8 19 1 
10 34 1 
16 0 0 
20 0 0 
In, 84 3 
y 16.800 0.600 
Si3 266.700 0.300 
SS 7.303 0.245 
%S, + 43.47 + 40.83 
(Sn 3.479 0.004 
Vn 66,276. 2,367. 
Enchanted Forest Y 123,825. 5,618. 
Y. 8.093 0.367 
Sy 2.513 0.106 
%S_ + 31.06 + 29.09 


51 


Mapping and Unmeasured Area Estimates—The sat- 
ellite scene also serves as a rough map of the resources. 
Areas classified and mapped as having low density, for 
example, can be assumed to be hardwood vegetation 78 
percent of the time and have a volume of 15.78 ccf per 
acre + 19.98 percent based upon the field survey. Pixels 
containing the field plots may be assigned the measured 
values. All other pixels are assigned the stratum averages. 
See figure 22. 


Note that both sampled volumes and stratum averages are 
shown. In actual practice, only stratum averages are 
usually displayed in the mapping process. In such in- 


= 


ben nen 
0 FEET 5000 


stances, resource managers need to be aware of the source 
of the information displayed and the associated sampling 
errors. 


Cost Estimates—The cost estimates include costs 
incurred from purchases, interpretation of imagery, and 
field activities. 


Field costs = $2,275 
Imagery of Forest = 61 
Interpretation of Forest = 382 
Mapping = 306 
Total costs = $3,024, or $0.198 per acre. 


Forest Boundary 


Werte. 
ep rcca 
ea eet 
Me, 
~~ 


Figure 22—Mapping showing measured (*) and stratum average (s) 
volume (ccf) per acre based on the stratified satellite imagery sample. 
Each pixel represents 15 acres. 


52 


Discussion—The example given in this report used 
pixels 15 acres in size. In reality, pixels of 30 x 30 meters 
are common when using Landsat Thematic Mapper or 
SPOT image data. The California Region uses this tech- 
nique using Landsat imagery (Bowlin 1984). The Alaska 
FIA unit uses a technique employing two additional 
phases of high and low altitude aerial photography (Larson 
1984). 


The digital nature of many satellite systems creates an 
instant geographical information system that can be com- 
bined with other georeferenced data and used to produce 
various theme maps (Mattila 1984). A truly practical 
inventory based on available satellite imagery has been an 
elusive and illusory goal for nearly 20 years. It has been 
applied in both industry and forest survey, perhaps only on 
a show-me scale. There is still a hefty and expensive 
requirement for equipment and statistical as well as 
remote sensing expertise. There is increasing evidence 
that satellite imagery is now the design tool of the present 
instead of the dream of the future. 


Inventories With Prior Stand Mapping 

If all the stands in a compartment or forest have been 
mapped, the use of these mapped stands as primary 
sampling units offers several advantages over the use of 
sample plots. In addition to providing estimates for the 
inventory unit, mapped stands provide (Stage 1984): 


¢ Opportunities to study spatial relations between 
stands. 


e Easy coordination among resources. The stands can be 
used as common data sources and can be overlaid 
upon maps of streams, wildlife “edge” habitat, and 
nesting sites or other delineations that are represented 
by lines or points rather than areas. 


e More appropriate prescription because the full range of 
variation within realistically-sized treatment units can 
be used in analysis. 


e¢ Concentrated day-to-day work in nearby areas with 
potential savings in transportation by using larger crews 
or local “spike” camps. 


e Dual use of the stand data to meet several objectives, 
such as quality control for stand examination proce- 
dures and pre-sale cruising. Estimates generated for 
stands that were not sampled can be used to establish 
priorities for more detailed silvicultural examinations 
or timber cruises thus helping to implement forest 
plans. 


It should be noted that different sampling designs have 
been developed to deal with different populations. Char- 
acteristics of the population should be considered when 
selecting a sampling design. If we know nothing about the 
population, then simple random sampling is almost cer- 
tainly the first method to consider. Populations for which 
information exists concerning some characteristic such as 
the area from aerial survey, but not for those variables we 
wish estimates such as proportion of the area showing 
wildlife usage, should be sampled using a design that 
incorporates the known information. Even for these cases 
certain sampling designs may be appropriate for some 
mapped conditions and not for others. We will try to 
illustrate computational methods for a variety of sampling 
designs and at the same time note the characteristics of the 
Enchanted Forest that appear to support the use of that 
particular method or to negate its use. 


Inventories using mapped polygons or stands are used to 
develop forest management plans. The resources and their 
condition and potential are generally described only in 
sufficient detail to direct the manager's attention to spe- 
cific locations within the inventory unit for more intensive 
planning. Area, volume, and production estimates are 
usually tied to each polygon or stand (Lund 1985). If plots 
are established for remeasurement, they are usually estab- 
lished to measure growth and monitor response to treat- 
ments. In both cases plot establishment should be done 
with a good deal of attention being paid to probable time 
sensitivity of the plots. Time interval before remeasure- 
ment should be planned well in advance and should 
consider the likely rotation of the species or forest type in 
which the plot is being established. 


Stand mapping has been accomplished using satellite 
imagery (Hame and Tomppo 1987, Tomppo 1987) and 
this capability will certainly improve in the future. How- 
ever, for general purposes aerial photography is still ade- 
quate. Processing of aerial photographs might be done 
with electronic scanners in the future and this could well 
provide a relatively low cost transition technology leading 
to the use of satellite imagery. 


This section examines sampling stands mapped using 
aerial photography to obtain a forest inventory as well as 
providing estimates for all stands in the forest. Even though 
the examples are for timber estimates using aerial photo- 
graphy on a small forest and a relatively few stands, the 
principles, techniques, and options apply to most natural 
resource surveys using all forms of remote sensing and any 
size area. 


To compute statistical estimators, assume that the En- 
chanted Forest has been mapped into 200 stands (fig. 23), 
acreage has been determined for each stand, and the 
boundaries of the stands will not change upon field 
visitation. 


Further assume that a total of 10 sample plots (n) within 
selected stands will form the secondary sample and will 
be systematically established by overlaying a grid of 
equilateral triangles, and plots require 0.5 hours to mea- 
sure (m). Plot results are expanded for the sample stands. 
The estimated values for these sampled stands then con- 


Saas 
Q FEET 5000 


stitute the basis for predicting the inventory for stands that 
were not sampled in the forest inventory unit. Finally, for 
simplicity and uniformity of presentation we have consis- 
tently computed the finite correction factor for all estima- 
tors. This is readily available with computer spreadsheets; 
however, it would not be necessary (the sampling fraction 
being much less than .05) for hand computation for some 
of the examples. 


For cost estimators, assume the purchase of aerial photo- 
graphy ($489.60) and the cost of mapping of $1,147.50 
for the Forest applies to all of the following designs. Stands 
are the primary sampling unit. 


Forest Boundary 


Figure 23—Location of previously mapped stands in the Enchanted Forest 
showing only stand boundaries and stand identification numbers. 


Using equation (d), i = 224.272 (a/10)"” 
ori = 70.921 a"? (h) 


where a is the area of the sample stand in acres. 


The time (M,) to traverse and measure a sample stand is 
M, = {(n—1) 70.921a"7}/10,560 + n(0.5). 


M, = { 9 (0.0067 a"”) } + 10(0.5) for 10 plots, (i) 
or 0.0603 a’? + 5. 


Stand no. 10 for example, is 120 acres. Using equation (i), 
M, = {0.0603(120)"7} + 10(0.5) = 5.1 hours. 


The daily travel time (D) is revised as follows: 
D =[L + =(M]/8 (j) 


where L (M) = the sum of the time to measure all selected 
stands. 


Similarly, total cost of field time (F) is adjusted to: 
F = CW[(L + 2 (M,) + D] (k) 


Unstratified Sampling—Auxiliary information consists of 
the location, identification number, and acreage of each 
stand (see Appendix 2). Given this limited information, the 
options for selecting stands for sampling are unstratified, 
equal probability sampling (e.p.s.) and probability propor- 
tional to a measure of size (p.p.s.). Note the difference 
between allocation of a sample with probability propor- 
tional to size and to a measure of size. In the first case we 
must have information regarding size of the variable of 
interest itself. In the second case a variable that may have 
a relation to the variable of interest is used as a surrogate— 
in this case the acreage of each stand is used as the 
selection surrogate. 


Equal Probability Sampling (e.p.s.)—Equal probability 
sampling means that each stand, regardless of acreage, has 
an equal chance of being selected for measurement. A 
simple random number generator can be used to select 
stands by identification number or, if these are not con- 
secutive, a unique whole number may be assigned to 
them. Figure 24 shows the stands selected for forest 
inventory. It should be noted that this is not the method 
that would be preferred for estimating most properties of 
interest in the Enchanted Forest. The occurrence of very 
large area units that are an order of magnitude larger than 
the average stand should be a red flag warning us to use a 
sampling system other than e.p.s. 


However, this example gives us an opportunity to demon- 
strate the necessity for employing two different estimation 
techniques for parameters having different sampling distri- 
bution characteristics. Wildlife use is sampled by record- 
ing the presence or absence of evidence on a single plot in 
the stand; it is a binary variable. Plotting the data from a 
sample of 20 stands reveals no trend between this variable 
and the size of the stand. Consequently, wildlife use or any 
other variate sampled by a presence/absence indication 
should be estimated as a simple random sample obtained 
without replacement. In contrast volume estimates when 
plotted versus acreage do show a relation between volume 
and acreage. The relationship is not the classical linear 
relation through the origin for a ratio and gives some large 
values that have very low volumes associated with the 
acreage. This indicates that stratification would be ex- 
tremely useful, but for this example we are going to ignore 
the stratification protential in order to demonstrate the use 
of a weighted mean to compensate for the unequal sizes of 
stands acreage. 


Statistical Estimates—To calculate the estimated 
mean volume per acre a weighted mean is employed: 
Yw = 2wiy; / 2w; (19) 


where w is the stand acreage and y is the continuous 
variable of interest (volume per acre). A simple un- 
weighted mean is not appropriate when the unequal area 
stands are sampled with equal probability. 


The variance of a weighted mean is equal to: 


Sy? = Zwiy; - Yy)? / =w; (20) 


The standard error is simply the square root of the 
weighted variance divided by the number of samples: 


Sy = (Sy? / ny”? (21) 


Finally the percent sampling error (%5,.,) is: 


Sey = (Sy / ¥y)*100 (22) 


Note that the above calculations do not account for the 
variation within the sampled stands from the secondary 
sampling units. In most cases of broad forest inventories, 
as illustrated in this section, such variation is rarely 
computed and is beyond the scope of this publication. An 
alternative treatment of these computations may be found 
in Loetsch and Haller (1964). 


55 


Table 13 shows the results of the equal probability sam- 
pling where area and volume estimators are calculated as 
follows. 


For area of snaileater use, a proportion estimate is em- 
ployed: the value one is assigned to stands in which the 
sample showed evidence of snaileater use, otherwise 
stands are assigned value zero. Recalling that only a single 
plot per stand is assessed regardless of area and that the 
expected value for a proportion is given by: 


2 


a | 
0 FEET 5000 


Vp = Xnj_,)/n, (23) 


where n, is the sample size and n,_, is the 
number of occurrences. 


The variance of a proportion is: 


s*(¥,) = Yp(1-Y,) (24) 
Yp = (0+ 1+... + 0)/20 = 0.500; a proportion 
expressing wildlife use per plot. 
s*(¥,) = 0.500 * (1 — 0.500) = 0.250. 
Sy = (0.250 / 20)? = 0.162. 


%Seay = 0.162 / 0.500 * 100 = +32.40%. 


Y = 0.500 * 15300= 7650. 


Figure 24—Location of primary sampling units (shaded stands) based 
upon a random draw of stand numbers using equal probability sampling. 


56 


Table 13—Results of an inventory of the Enchanted Forest 
using equal probability sampling of mapped 
stands; area estimates are in acres and volume 
estimates are in ccf 


Vegetation Wildlife Wildlife Volume/ Volume 

Stand Area type use estimators acre estimators’ 

18 60 Conifer 0 21 

25 60 Hardwood 1 10 

98 45 Hardwood 1 30 

74 60 Hardwood 0 15 
187 30 Hardwood 1 14 

26 30 Brush/open 0 0 
154 75 Conifer 1 23 
144 45 Hardwood 0 23 

61 30 Hardwood 1 12 

62 30 Brush/open 0 0 
152 75 Hardwood 0 19 

10 120 Conifer 1 30 
172 45 Hardwood 1 21 

53 30 Conifer 0 9 

95 45 Hardwood 1 25 

81 90 Conifer 0 v 
116 30 Hardwood 0 2 

92 45 Conifer 1 6 
170 45 Conifer 0 31 
153 45 Conifer 1 3 
In 1,035 10 301 
y 0.500 16.913 
sy* 0.250 95.992 
SS 0.162 2.191 
%S, + 32.40 + 12.96 
y 7,650 258,770. 


1—Volume estimates are computed using weighted estimators (equations 


19-22). 


For per acre and total volume estimates weighted estima- 
tors (equations 19-22) are employed: 


Yw = [(60*21) + (60*10) +... + (45 * 3)] / (60 + 
60 +... + 45) = 16.913 ccf per acre. 

Sy? = 60(21— 16.913)? + 60(10— 16.913)? +... + 

45(3— 16.913)? / 1035 = 95.992. 

(95.992 / 20)? = 2.191. 


S = 
ase — oy 16:91 >. 100 =) 12.96%. 
Y = 16.913 * 15,300 = 258,770 ccf in the En- 


chanted Forest. 


The estimated area and volume by vegetation type are 
computed analogously. To compute estimates for the 
conifer type, for example, all plots not classed as conifer 
are assigned a value of 0 for volume and area. Table 14 
shows the estimates for the conifer type. The area of 
conifer type is 7,096 acres, the area of hardwoods is 6,874 
acres, and the area of brush/open is 887 acres. 


Table 14—Results and estimates for the conifer vegetation 
type using equal probability sampling of 
mapped stands in the Enchanted Forest; area 
estimates are in acres and volume estimates 
are in ccf 


Volume/ 
Stand Area acre 


18 21 


Volume Type 
estimators Type estimators 


_ 


3k 
PEREBSASERISSRHLSSEBR 
Ne’e es Os? OOOH OOOO} OO OO FO 


_ 


8.971 0.464 
Ss 586,648.716 870.063 

2.124 0.082 
%s, + 23.67 + 17.64 
a, 137,256. 7,096. 


The estimated total volume is 137,256 ccf for conifer, 
121,513 ccf for hardwood, and 0 ccf for the brush/open 
type, respectively. This last value is strong evidence that 
we have overlooked an advantageous stratification. It is 
reasonable to assume that if there is 0 ccf of timber in the 
brush/open category that we could improve our sampling 
efficiency by introducing strata that isolate this type. 


Stand Estimates—Stands’ attributes are estimated 
from the area estimates. Measured stands can have their 
observed inventory estimate or they may be assigned as 
part of the general problem of predicting a volume for 
each stand in the forest. The former is done in this 
publication and the inventoried stands are identified with 
an asterisk. All other stands must be assigned the average 
for the appropriate stratum or inventory unit. An alterna- 
tive is to use two types of records—one for predicted 
values and one for measured. The alternative might be- 
come more valuable as the complexity of the inventory 


57 


increased. The estimated volume per acre for the unmea- 
sured stands is 16.9 ccf. Estimates for vegetation types are 
that 49 percent of the area is conifer, 45 percent is 
hardwood, and 6 percent is brush or open. See figure 25. 


Cost Estimates—The sum of the approximate straight 
line distance between sample stands as measured from the 
map is 104,000 feet. 


L = 104,000/10,560 = 9.85 hours. 
Z(M,) = 101 hours. 

D = (9.8 + 101)/8 = 13.8 hours. 

F = 2(9)[9.8 + 101 + 13.8] = $2,243. 


= 


Dedede! 
0 FEET 5000 


“Figure 25—Mapping showing measured (*) and Forest average (a) 


Thus: 
Field costs = $2,243 
Aerial photos = 490 
Mapping =A 7, 
Total costs = $3,880, or $0.254 per acre. 


Discussion—This technique is seldom used in forest 
inventories. When polygons or stands are mapped, useful 
correlated attributes are also noted. Attributes such as 
vegetation type, density, and height may then be used to 


Forest Boundary 


volume (ccf) per acre based on equal probability sampling of stand 


numbers. 


58 


develop a stratified sampling plan. However, the proce- 
dure might be useful in sampling geo-political divisions— 
mapped counties within States for example. It might also 
reasonably be employed where an agency was exploring 
the forest, such as in large, unmapped tropical areas. 


Probability Proportional to Size (p.p.s.) Sampling—There 
are several possible estimates of size that might be used to 
develop a sampling frame. Our example is acreage, but 
this is really a correlated measure of size. Recent sampling 
developments remind us that there should be a strong 
positive correlation between the measure of size and the 


Forest Boundary 


2) t 3 
fe LE 


Figure 26—Location of primary sampling units (shaded stands) and initial 
secondary sampling units using a superimposed grid. The secondary 
units are located at 60 degrees and 6,203 feet from one another. This 
provides a selection of stands based upon a probability proportional to 
their size. 


actual variate of interest in order for p.p.s. sampling to 
provide improvements over simple random sampling. This 
is not strictly the case in the Enchanted Forest data, but for 
the purpose of this example there should be little loss in 
efficiency, and the acreage provides a convenient measure 
of size. When stands are sampled on the basis of proba- 
bility proportional to their area, several methods of select- 
ing samples are possible. An intuitively appealing method 
that yields a sample with probability proportional to area 
is to place a grid over the forest map. Only those stands in 
which a grid intersection is located are sampled in the 
field (fig. 26). Each grid intersection serves as the random 


2a 


=z 


: (a 
| 0 Sot 0 FEET 5000 
O Field Plot 
(Initial) 


59 


starting point for a cluster of sub-plots within the sampled 
stand. i 


An alternative stand selection method is to list stands by 
area and then systematically select sample stands using a 
random start and a predetermined acre interval (Lund 
1978b). Either method provides a systematic sample of the 
forest and a sample proportional to size of the stands (i.e., 
larger stands have a higher probability of being sampled). 
A further refinement for selection would be the prelimi- 
nary sorting of the a data base consisting of the measures 
of size followed by selection using pps. This refinement 
has some of the qualities of a systematic selection in that 
a representative distribution of the selected sample will 
usually be obtained (Stage 1971). Areas and volumes are 
developed by measuring the sampled stands in the field 
and expanding the sample to the forest. 


Statistical Estimates—The results of a probability 
proportional to size inventory of the Enchanted Forest are 
shown in table 15. Note that stand 2 was selected twice 
(sampled with replacement). The stand is measured only 
once, but the stand values per acre are used twice in the 
calculations. Either grid intersection may be used as the 
initial starting point for the sample within stand 2. Forest 
estimates are computed as follows: 


For snaileater area estimates, a value has to be assigned to 
each sampled stand. To compute the estimators for wild- 
life use, all sampled stands classed as having wildlife use 
are assigned a value of 1 and all other stands are given a 
value of 0. 


Vp = (0+1+ ...0)/20 = 0.55 a proportion express- 
ing wildlife use per plot. 

s*(¥,) = (0.55)(1-0.55) = 0.2475 
s< = (0.2475/20)'”? 0.1112 (with replacement 
sampling equation). 
(0.1112/0.55)*100 = + 20.22%. 
0.55 * 15,300 = 8,415 acres of wildlife use in 
the forest. 


i} 


° 
o 
» te. 
i] 


< 
ll 


For total volume estimates: 


yY = (3 + 30 +... 19)/20 = 12.9 ccf per acre. 
sy = {(37 + 307+ ...197) — (3 + 30 +... 19)?/ 
20}20 - 1) = 92.41. 
sy = (92.4105/20)"? = 2.15 ccf per acre. 
%S~ = (2.1495/12.90) * 100 = + 16.66 %. 


Y = 12.90 * 15,300 = 197,370 ccf for the forest. 


60 


Table 15—Results of an inventory of the Enchanted Forest 
using selection of mapped stands based on 
probability proportional to their size; volume 
is expressed in ccf 


Vegetation Wildlife Wildlife | Volume/ Volume 
Stand type use estimators acre estimators 
2 Hardwood (0) 3 
10 Conifer 1 30 
67 Hardwood 1 6 
2 Hardwood 0 3 

16 Brush/open 1 3 

33 Hardwood 1 7 

70 Hardwood 1 Uf 

30 Conifer 1 19 

28 Hardwood 0 9 

36 Conifer 0 32 
175 Conifer 1 26 

91 Conifer 0 8 

97 Hardwood 1 19 

53 Conifer 0 9 
200 Hardwood 1 14 
188 Hardwood 1 22 
129 Brush/open 1 3 
124 Conifer 0 18 
166 Hardwood 0 1 
152 Hardwood 0 19 
rn 11 258 
y 0.550 12.900 
s,? 0.248 92.410 
Sy 0.111 2.149 
%s, + 20.21 + 16.66 
Y 8,415. 197,370. 


The estimated area and volume by vegetation type are 
computed similarly. To compute estimates for the conifer 
type, for example, all sampled stands not classed as 
conifer are assigned a value of 0 for volume and area. 
Table 16 shows the estimates for the conifer type. The area 
of conifer type is 5,355 acres, the area of hardwoods is 
8,415 acres, and the area of brush/open is 1,530 acres. 


The estimated total volume is 108,630 ccf for conifer, 
84,150 ccf for hardwood, and 4,590 ccf for the brush/ 
open type respectively. 


Stand Estimates—Measured stands can be assigned 
their actual measured values or in some cases it may be 
more appropriate to estimate their values as part of a 


Table 16—Results and estimates of the conifer vegetation 
type from an inventory of the Enchanted Forest 
using mapped stands selected based on 
probability proportional to their area; volume 
estimates are expressed in ccf 


Volume/ 
Stand acre 


Volume Type 
estimators Type estimators 


— 

o 

@ 
ooo 


w@ 
o 
—_ 


_ 
Ni 
a 
hm w 


—_ 

Le) 

- 

—_ 
Noor-;?oo0c0o-o0o0+-+-o0o+-o0o0cc0ce0=+-0 


ive) 
N 
NOOWOOCWHCOAMNOCHCACCSO 


“i 
=) 
= 
p-S 


y 7.100 
s° 127.463 
SS 2.524 
%S, + 35.55 
108,630. 


0.350 

0.239 

0.109 
+ 31.26 
5,355. 


general computational scheme. Stands that were not 
measured are assigned the average values of the inventory 
unit. The average volume per acre for the unmeasured 
stands is 12.50 ccf. Based on the sample, 35 percent of the 
area is conifer, 55 percent is hardwood and 10 percent is 
brush. See figure 27. 


Cost Estimates—Selection was made by a grid. Each 
sample stand is approximately equidistant or 6,203 feet 
from each other. As stand no. 2 was selected twice but 
measured only once, n = 19 in this case. 


L = [(19-1)*(6,203)]/10,560 = 10.57 hours. 
x (M,) = 96.5 hours. 

D = (10.6 + 96.5)/8 = 13.4 hours. 

F = 2(9)[10.6 + 96.5 + 13.4] = $2,169. 


Thus: 


Field costs = $2,169 
Purchase aerial photos = 490 
Mapping = 1,148 
Total costs = $3,807, or $0.249 per acre. 


Discussion—This technique is useful when only the 
boundaries and the area of the mapped polygon are 
known. In forestry, this is seldom the case. Characteristics 
of the stands are usually noted from remote sensing and 
are used for forming sampling strata. The advantage of the 
method over e.p.s. lies in the simplified computational 
formulae. All of the statistical estimates revert to the 
simplest expression of means and variances. The condi- 
tions under which these simplifications are justified have 
been noted above, but are worth reiterating. There must be 
a strong, positive correlation between the dependent 
variable and the auxiliary variable used as a measure of 
size. This may often be the case for timber volume and 
area of forest, though it is not really the case for our 
example. There is somewhat less likelihood that p.p.s. 
sampling formulae simplifications can be justified for the 
snail-eater. The dependent variable is a binary variable and 
can rarely have a strong correlation with a continuous 
variable-like area. Still, the method can be applied in a 
general inventory if interest in the snaileater is not a 
pressing wildlife issue that needs special attention. We 
would not suggest the application of this estimation- 
design combination if a high value were placed on the 
results. 


Stratified Sampling—lf there is additional (auxiliary) infor- 
mation about each stand such as vegetation type (Ap- 
pendix 2), stratified sampling offers important advantages 
over almost any non-stratified method. Refer to the earlier 
exposition on stratification. Each and every stand must fall 
into one and only one sampling stratum. For timber 
inventories, Scott (1984) specifically recommends: 


© Mapping stands based upon type, size, and density 
classes. Note that it may be preferable to stratify 
geographically because stand size often changes with 
intensity of management. 


e Using these classes to form sampling strata. 
e Establishing plots systematically within selected stands. 


e Developing means by stratum (vegetation type-size- 
density class) and expanding to total using stratum 
areas. 


61 


Data from sampled, mapped stands can be extrapolated to 
unmeasured areas assuming stands do not vary widely 
within sampling stratum or map classes such as forest 
type, stand size, and density (Ek, Rose, and Gregersen 
1984). As previously discussed, poststratification or pre- 
stratification can be used. 


Three sampling strata for the Enchanted Forest based upon 
apparent overstory vegetation type in each stand inter- 
preted from aerial photographs (see Appendix 2) are 


= 


a a | 
0 FEET 5000 


developed. The strata are conifer vegetation, hardwood 
vegetation, and brush/open. Figure 28 shows the stands 
mapped by each stratum. A total of 6,240 acres have been 
mapped as conifer, 7,965 acres have been mapped as 
hardwoods, and 1,095 acres mapped as brush/open veg- 
etation type. 


Poststratification—Assume a grid of plots has been system- 
atically iocated as illustrated in figure 26. We can post- 
stratify by combining the grid and the mapping informa- 
tion, as illustrated in figure 29 and table 17. The mapped 


Forest Boundary 


Figure 27—Mapping showing measured (*) and Forest average (a) 
volume (ccf) per acre based on sampling proportional to stand size. 


62 


information provides the strata weights. We refer to this For the conifer stratum: 
process as poststratification with known weights. 


Yo = (1+1+...0)/7 = 0.4286 a proportion ex- 
Statistical Estimates—For area and volume estimates , Bessie wildlife use per plot. ’ 
in the conifer vegetation type n. = 7, N. = 6,240, repre- Se= {141° +... O)-(+1+ ...0°/7}(7-1) = 
senting the same number of acres. 0.2857. 
(ss). = (0.2857/7)"? = 0.2020. 

To compute the area estimators for the red-spotted (%S.)< = (0.2019/0.4286) * 100 = + 47.13 %. 
snaileater wildlife use within each stratum, all sample Vets 0.4286 ‘ 6,240 = 2,674 acres of wildlife use 
stands having evidence of wildlife use are assigned a value . in the conifer stratum. . 
of 1 and all other sample stands are given a value of zero. (S5“)_ = [0.2857 * (6,240/15,300)° /7] * [1 —(7/6,240] 


= 0.006781. 


Forest Boundary 


Sa 


= 
F 3 


eg 
7. 


y 
Sz. ie 
es 


Ge 


ALE Lee 
“< 


=z 


Figure 28—Location of mapped stands in the Enchanted Forest showing £3 Conifer 
vegetation type classes. (0 Hardwood 
Brush/Open 


63 


The same estimators are computed for the hardwood and 
brush/open strata. The area estimates are combined for the 
Forest as follows where: 


Y = (2,674.2857 + 4,344.5455 + 1,095) = 8,114 
acres of wildlife use in the Forest. 

Y = 8,114/15,300 * 100 = 53% of area sampled 
with wildlife use in the Forest. 

Sy = (0.00678 + 0.00671)'? = 0.1162. 

%S_e = (0.1162/0.5303) * 100 = + 21.90%. 


Next we illustrate computation for total volume in the 
conifer stratum: 


z 


a 
0 FEET 5000 


Figure 29—Location of systematically located field plots and mapped 
stands in the Enchanted Forest. O Hardwood 
Brush/Open 
O Field Plot 


Y. = (31 + 19 +... 18)/7 = 21.86 ccf per acre. 


(s/7). = {317 + 197+ ... 18) — [(31+19 + 
.. . 34/77 -1) = 93.14. 
(5;). = (93.1429/7)"? = 3.6477 ccf per acre. 
(%S.)- = 3.6457/21.8571 * 100 = + 16.68%. 


=< 
0 
ll 


21.8571 * 6,240 = 136,389 ccf in conifer 
Stratum. 

[93.1429 * (6,240/15,300)7/7 * [1 —- (7/ 
6,240)] = 2.2108. 


—= 
f 
oy) 
a) 
i] 


The same stratum estimators are computed for the hard- 
wood and brush/open strata. The estimates are combined 
to yield totals for the Forest as follows: 


Forest Boundary 


Table 17—Results of an inventory of the Enchanted Forest 
using post stratification of a systematic sample 
with mapped stands providing known stratum 
weights; volumes are expressed in ccf 


Wildlife Wildlife | Volume/ Volume 
Stratum Plot use estimators acre estimators 
Conifer 2 1 31 
8 1 19 
10 0 34 
11 0 29 
12 1 14 
14 0 8 
18 0 18 
rn, 3 153 
y 0.429 21.857 
SA 0.286 93.143 
s;" 0.202 3.646 
%s,* + 47.11 + 16.68 
(S;*). 0.007 2.211 
Y. 2,674. 136,388. 
Hardwood 1 0 1 
3 1 8 
4 0 3 
6 1 7 
if 1 10 
9 0 10 
13 1 17 
15 1 13 
16 1 21 
19 0 0 
20 0 20 
rn, 6 116 
y 0.545 10.545 
si? 0.273 44.673 
s;* 0.157 2.014 
%s,* + 28.85 + 19.10 
(S37)n 0.007 1.099 
Vie 4,344 83,994. 
Brush/ 5 1 3 
open 17 1 6 
rn, 2 9 
y 1.000 4.500 
Sy 0.000 4.500 
s;* 0.000 1.498 
%s,* + 0.00 + 33.30 
(S;)*b 0. 0.012 
Ye 1,095. 4,927. 
Enchanted Y 8,114. 225,311. 
Forest Y 0.530 14.726 
Sy 0.116 1.822 
%S_* + 21.90 + 12.38 


Y= (136,389 + 83,994 + 4,927) = 225,310 ccf in 
the Forest. 
Y = 225,310/15,300 = 14.73 ccf per acre. 
Sy = (2.211 + 1.099 + 0.012)'"7= 1.8225 ccf per 
acre. 
%S_ = 1.8225/14.7262 * 100 = + 12.38 %. 


The estimated area and volume by vegetation type are 
computed in the same manner. To compute estimates for 
the conifer type, for example, all plots not classed as 
conifer are assigned a value of 0 for volume and area. The 
area of conifer type is 6,240 acres, the area of hardwoods 
is 7,965 acres, and the area of brush/open is 1,095 acres. 


The estimated total volume is 136,388 ccf for conifer, 
83,994 ccf for hardwood, and 4,928 ccf for the brush/ 
open type, respectively. 


Stand Estimates—Stands containing the field plots 
may be assigned the values from the field measurements. 
We reiterate that provision be made to indicate the 
difference between an observed and predicted value. All 
other stands are assigned average values for the stratum in 
which they lie. See figure 30; observed values are indi- 
cated by asterisk. 


Cost Estimates—The costs would be the same as for 
systematic sampling plus the purchase of aerial photogra- 
phy, interpretation of the entire Forest, and mapping. 


Field costs = $2,275 
Purchase aerial photos = 489 
Mapping = 1,147 
Interpretation = 306 


Total costs $4,217, or $0.276 per acre. 

Discussion—The National Forests in the Eastern 
(johnson 1984) and the Southern (Belcher 1984) Regions 
in conjunction with the North Central (Hahn 1984), 
Northeast, Southeast (Cost 1984), and Southern (Beltz 
1984) Forest Inventory and Analysis Units of the Forest 
Service employ variations of this technique. FIA field plots 
serve as the basis for stratification and mapping by the 
National Forest Regions provides the stratum weights from 
stand mapping. 


Prestratification—Assumptions regarding the known at- 


tributes of the Enchanted forest remain the same as for 
nonstratified sampling examples. 


65 


66 


= 


¥ 

< 
SRO. 
= Sse, 
—s 


Equal probability sampling (e.p.s..—Two or more 
stands are randomly chosen from each stratum (fig. 31). 
Consecutive stand numbers can be used as described in 
the previous section, or a unique stand number can be 
generated. 


Statistical Estimates—Table 18 shows the results of 
the inventory, where, for the conifer (c) stratum, n, = 8 
sample stands and N.. = 81 total stands. To compute the 
area of snaileater use, an indicator value is assigned to 
each sampled stand in the stratum. All sampled stands 
classed as having evidence of the wildlife use are assigned 
a value of 1 and all other sampled stands are given a value 


Forest Boundary 


Figure 30—Mapping showing measured (*) and stratum average (s) 
volume (ccf) per acre based on poststratification of systematically located 


field plots. 


The same area estimators are computed for the hardwood 
and brush/open strata. The estimates are combined for the 


Forest as follows: 


of zero. Computation follows examples presented earlier 
for a proportion estimator (equations 23 and 24): 


Voc = ((60*0) + (75 * 1) + ... (45 * 1) (60'+ 75 


+... 45) = 0.5588 wildlife use per plot. Y = (3,487 + 4,368+0) = 7,855 acres for which 
S*(V pe = 0.5588 * (1 — 0.5588) = 0.2465 wildlife use is estimated in the Enchanted Forest. 
(SV Je = (0.2465/8)'? = 0.1755. Y = 7,855 / 15,300 = 0.51 acres showing wildlife 
(%S.). = .1755/0.5588 * 100 = 31.41%. utilization. 

Y. = 0.5588 * 6,240 = 3,487 acres of wildlife use Sy = [(977,021 + 637,985 + 0)/15,3007]'” = 

in the Enchanted Forest. 0.0831. 
(S57). = [0.2465 * (6,240/15300)7/8] * [1 — 8/6,240] %S_ = (0.0831/0.5136)*100 = + 16.18 %. 

= 0.00511. 


Forest Boundary 


RIP me 22 


R 
Be, 


Io 


i 
ore 


era 
220 


prea, 


SALI ILE L ILS 
eeeee. 


iene wintes 


DEE 
Keres 


“Ee 


= 


0 FEET 5000 


€ Conifer 
aries) based upon a random drawing of stand numbers stratified by () Hardwood 


Figure 31—Location of primary sampling units (stands with bold bouna- 


vegetation type. Brush/Open 


67 


Table 18—Results of an inventory of the Enchanted Forest 


Wildlife Wildlife Volume/ Volume 


Stratum 
Conifer 


Hardwood 


Brush/ 
open 


Enchanted 
Forest 


Wildlife Wildlife Volume 
Stratum Stand Area use estimators acre _estimators_ 
18 60 0 21 
154 ae Al 23 
10/8 at20) ot 30 
53 30 O 9 
81 90 0 7 
92 45) nt 6 
170 45 0 31 
153 459 al 3 
Ene 51091) 4 130 
y 0.559 18.205 
Sie 0.246 622,176. 
S; 0.176 3.436 
%s + 31.41 + 18.87 
Ve 3,487. 113,604. 
(S3)*c 00511 1.964 
25 GOs 10 
98 45 1 30 
74 60 0 15 
187 30) 1 14 
144 45) 40 23 
61 30) 44 12 
152 7500 19 
172 45 1 21 
95 A5tae 25 
116 30 O 2 
In, 465 6 171 
Vy 0.548 17.677 
sy 0.248 111,780. 
Sy 0.150 1.299 
%S, + 27.38 + 7.34 
ve 4,367. 145,009. 
(S3)n .00627 0.457 
26 30 O 0 
62 30 O 0 
rn, 60 0 0 
Y 7,854.962 258,615. 
Y 0.513 16.902 
Sy 0.109 1.556 
%S_* + 21.20 + 9.20 


using stratified mapped stands and equal 
probability sampling; area estimates are in 
acres and volume estimates are in ccf 


—————— ee ee 


68 


For total volume estimates: 


(Ye = [(60*21) + (75*23) +... (45*3)/(45 + 60 
+ ...45) = 18.21 ccf per acre. 
(547). = {[(60*21)? + (75*23)? +... (45*3)?) - 
[(2 * 18.2059) * ((60 * 21) + (75 * 23) +... 
+ (45 * 3))] + [(18.20597) * 
(60? + 757 +... 45*))}/(8 — 1) = 622,176. 
(s,) = [1-(8/81)/8]"? * (15,300/200) * 622,176” 
= 0.1584 ccf per acre. 


(%Sawe = (0.1584/18.2059) * 100 = + 28.35%. 
J. = 18.2059* 6,240 = 113,605 ccf for the conifer 
stratum. 
(S57). = [622176 * (6240/15300)7/8] * [1 — 8/6240] = 
1.9644. 


The same estimators are computed for the hardwood and 
brush/open strata. The estimates are combined for the 
Forest as follows where: 


Y = (113,605 + 145,010 + 0) = 258,615 ccf in the 
Forest. 
Y = 258,615 / 15,300 = 16.90 ccf per acre. 
Sy = (1.964 + 0.457 + 0)”? = 1.556 ccf per acre. 
%Se = (1.5562/16.9029)*100 = +9.21%. 


The estimated area and volume by vegetation type are 
similarly computed. To compute estimates for the conifer 
type, for example, all sampled stands not classed as 
conifer are assigned a value of 0 for volume and area. The 
area of conifer type is 6,240 acres, the area of hardwoods 
is 7,965 acres, and the area of brush/open is 1,095 acres. 


The estimated total volume is 113,605 ccf for conifer, 
145,010 ccf for hardwood, and 0 ccf for the brush/open 
type, respectively. 


Stand Estimates—Sampled stand are assigned their 
observed values. Unmeasured stands are assigned the 
stratum averages. The average volume per acre for the 
unmeasured stands is 18.2 ccf for conifers, 17.7 ccf for 
hardwoods, and 0 ccf for brush. See figure 32. 


Cost Estimates—The costs would be the same as Discussion—The USDI Bureau of Land Manage- 
unstratified equal probability sampling plus the cost of ment (Baker 1982) used this technique. This technique is 


interpretation of aerial photos. easier to implement than probability proportional to size 
(see next paragraph), but the calculations are more com- 
Field costs = $2,244 plex. 
Purchase aerial photos = 490 
Mapping = 1,148 
Interpretation = 306 


Total costs $4,188, or $0.274 per acre. 


Forest Boundary 


= 


Figure 32—Mapping showing measured (*) and stratum average (s) 
volume (ccf) per acre based on an equal probability sample of stratified 
stand numbers. 


Probability Proportional to Size (p.p.s.) Sampling— 
A grid is superimposed over the stratified forest, as was 
done in figure 26. This provides a stratified sample of 
stands based on probability proportional to their acreage 
(fig. 33). At least two stands must be measured in each 
stratum. The initial plot within each selected stand is 
located at the grid intersection. 


Statistical Estimates—Comments regarding the ap- 
plicability of p.p.s. methods to unstratified, whole forest 
are still valid. The relationship between the measure of 


= 


size and the objective variable needs to be positive and a 
strong correlation should exist; however, with the parti- 
tioning of the brush/open into a separate stratum, these 
assumptions are probably much more realistic. Still, the 
Enchanted Forest does not meet them as well as many real 
forests probably would (the method of generation for the 
stand volumes resulted in a distribution that does not 
strongly correlate with stand acreage). Table 19 shows the 
results of such an inventory. 


For the area and volume estimates in the conifer vegeta- 
tion type, n. = 7, N. = 6,240. 


Forest Boundary 


Bx? 


Cz 


70 


Figure 33—Location of primary sampling units (stands with bold bound- Conifer 


aries) and initial secondary sampling units using a superimposed grid C) Hardwood 
and stratification of the sample. The secondary units are located at 60 Brush/Open 
degrees and 6,203 feet from one another This provides a stratified O Field Plot 
sample based upon probability proportional to the area of the stratum. (Initial) 


Table 19—Results of an inventory of the Enchanted Forest 
using stratified mapped stands and selection 
based upon probability proportional to their 
area; volume estimates are expressed in ccf 


Wildlife Wildlife | Volume/ Volume 
Stratum Stand use estimators acre estimators 
Conifer 10 1 30 
30 1 19 
36 0 32 
91 0 8 
53 0 9 
124 0 18 
175 1 26 
In, 3 142 
y 0.429 20.287 
Be 0.286 91.571 
Sy 0.202 3.617 
%S, + 47.14 + 17.83 
(S;)*. 0.007 2.174 
We 2,674. 126,582. 
Hardwood 2 0 3 
2 0 3 
67 1 6 
33 1 7 
70 1 7 
28 0 9 
97 1 19 
200 1 14 
188 1 22 
166 0 1 
152 0 19 
rn, 6 110 
y 0.545 10.000 
s,? 0.273 53.600 
0.157 2.207 
%S, + 28.86 + 22.07 
(S5)?h 0.007 1.319 
vi 4,344. 79,650 
Brush/open 16 1 3 
129 1 3 
rn, 2 6 
1.000 3.000 
SF 0.000 0.000 
0.000 0.000 
%S, + 0.000 + 0.000 
(S3)*. 0.000 0.000 
Vip 1,095. 3,285 
Enchanted Y 8,114. 209,518. 
Forest Y 0.530 13.694 
Sy 0.116 1.868 
%S_* + 21.90 + 13.64 


To compute the area estimators for snaileater use within 
each stratum, all sampled stands having evidence of 
wildlife use are assigned a value of 1 and all other sampled 
stands are given a value of 0. For the conifer stratum: 


Yo = (14+1+...1)/7 = 0.4286 wildlife use per 
plot. 
(57). = {(17+17+ ...17) - (1 +14... 1)7/7}/(7 
— 1) = 0.2857. 
(s). = {0.2857/7 * [1-(7/6,240)}}"7 0.2020 


wildlife use per plot. 
(%5,). = (0.2020/0.4286) * 100 = + 47.14%. 
¥. = 0.4286 * 6,240 = 2,674 acres of wildlife use 
in the conifer stratum. 
(S57). = [0.2857 * 6240/15300)7/7] * [1 —(7/6,240)] = 
0.00678. 


The same estimators are computed for the hardwood and 
brush/open strata. The area estimates are combined for the 
Forest as follows, where: 


Y = (2,674 + 4,345 + 1,095) = 8,114 acres of 
wildlife use in the Forest. 


Y = 8,113.8312/15,300 = 0.5303 wildlife use in 
the Forest. 
Sy = (0.00678 + 0.00671 +0)'” = 0.1162 wildlife 


use per acre. 
%S_ = (0.1162/0.5303) * 100 = + 21.90%. 


For total volume estimates: 


Y. = (30+ 19 + ...26)/7 = 20.2857 ccf per acre. 
6 7)W=i(307 + 197+ ... 267) — (30 + 19+... 
26)?)/7}}/(7-—1) = 91.57. 
(5). = {(91.5714/7) * [1 — (7/6,240)]'* = 3.62 ccf 
per acre. 
(%S.). = (3.6169/20.2857) * 100 = + 17.83%. 
Y. = 20.2857 * 6,240 = 126,583 ccf in conifer 
stratum. 
(S37). = (91.5714 * 6,2407)/7] * [1 — (7/6,240)] = 
508,796,000. 


The same estimators are computed for the hardwood and 
brush/open strata. The estimates are combined for the 
Forest as follows where: 


Y = (126,583 + 79,650 + 3,285) = 209,518 ccf in 
the Forest. 
Y = 209,518/15,300 = 13.694 ccf per acre. 
Sy = (2.173 + 1.319 + 0)'”= 1.8688 ccf per acre. 
%S_ = (1.8688/13.6940) * 100 = + 13.65%. 


71 


The estimated area and volume by vegetation type are 
similarly computed. To compute estimates for the conifer 
type, for example, all sampled stands not classed as 
conifer are assigned a value of 0 for volume and area. The 
area of conifer type is 6,240 acres, the area of hardwoods 
is 7,965 acres, and the area of brush/open is 1,095 acres. 


The estimated total volume is 126,583 ccf for conifer, 
79,650 ccf for hardwood, and 3,285 ccf for the brush/ 
open type, respectively. 


Stand Estimates—Measured stands are assigned 
their actual values. Unmeasured stands are assigned the 


=z 


stratum averages. The average volume per acre for unmea- 
sured conifer stands is 19.5 ccf; 10.2 ccf for hardwoods; 
and 2.0 ccf for brush vegetation types. See figure 34. 


Cost Estimates—The costs would be the same as 
unstratified probability proportional to size plus the cost of 
interpretation of aerial photos. 


Field costs = $2,168 
Purchase aerial photos = 490 
Mapping = plats 
Interpretation = 306 
Total cost = $4,112, or $0.269 per acre. 


Forest Boundary 


Figure 34—Mapping showing measured (*) and stratum average (s) 
volume (ccf) per acre based on stratified sampling of stands proportional 


to their area. 


7/2 


Discussion—The Northern (Brickell 1984), Rocky 
Mountain (Mehl 1984), Intermountain (Myers 1984) and 
California Regions (Bowlin 1984) use this type of inven- 
tory design. As an alternative to a grid, Lund (1978b) uses 
accumulated acres within stands and strata. Stage (1971) 
provides a similar technique using a sorted list. The end 
result is nearly the same. The forest is systematically 
sampled; however, sorting the list assures that the sample 
will include a range of values for the auxiliary variable that 
approximates that for the population, an advantage that 
may well be needed if small numbers of plots are to be 
sampled. In both cases, the stratum and stands having the 
largest area have the higher probability of being sampled. 


Forest Boundary 


Inventories Using Existing Stand Information 

In practice, some stand data may already exist from 
previous examinations or timber cruises. In such in- 
stances, provided the data are current and unbiased, the 
existing information may be used in addition to establish- 
ing new plots. 


Assume data exist for stands 2, 10, 16, 28, 30, 33, 36, 53, 
67, 70, 91, 97, 124, 129, 152, 166, 175, 188, and 200, as 
shown in figure 35. 


=z 


boundaries) in the Enchanted Forest. 


0) Hardwood 
Brush/Open 


73 


The total volume and area by vegetation type in the stands 
that have already been measured are as follows: 


Vegetation type Area (acres) Total volume (ccf) 


Conifer 1,335 30,795 
Hardwood 2,610 20,625 
Brush/open 165 495 
Total 3,360 51,915 


The area of snaileater use is 2,280 acres. These estimates 
were obtained simply by summing the data from the 
stands that have been measured. This constitutes the 
existing inventory. Because all of the stands in the existing 
inventory were measured, there are no sampling errors. 


There are two options for using existing stand data. These 
are: (1) to use the existing data as potential sampling unit 
information or (2) to combine the existing information 
with an inventory of the remaining areas. Example statis- 
tical calculations are shown for the second option. Cost 
estimates are not given because the options discussed are 
extensions of some of the above methods. 


Use of the Stand as a Sampling Unit—If in the course of a 
new inventory, one of the stands for which data already 
exist is drawn for field sampling, then the data from that 
stand may be used to compile the inventory. For example, 
if stand 97 in the new inventory were selected, the stand 
would not have to be visited in the field, but the existing 
data from stand 97 would be used in the calculations for 
the forest. The Rocky Mountain Region (Mehl 1984) uses 
this procedure. 


It is important to note that the stand must be selected in 
the course of the draw and not purposefully selected 
because the stand has already been inventoried. To do the 
latter can seriously bias the new inventory. Very often 
existing stand information results from recent stand exam- 
inations or timber cruises. Both types of inventories are 
usually conducted where access is good and timber 
volumes relatively high, and in areas that have just been or 
are about to be treated. Such areas may not be represen- 
tative of the forest as a whole. Hence, for this particular 
option, data from such sources should only be used when 
the locations are randomly selected. 


This option has the advantage of reducing field costs, but 


has the disadvantage of not making use of all the available 
information. 


74 


Combining Inventories—The second option is to use all of 
the existing data as a separate stratum, conduct an inven- 
tory of the remaining lands, and then add the figures 
together. » 


To select a sample of the remaining stands, we will use 
stratified probability proportional to size sample selection. 
However, instead of using a grid to select the sample 
stands, we will use accumulated acres to illustrate another 
stand selection technique. This method is described in 
Lund (1978b). 


To use the accumulated acres technique, list the unmea- 
sured stands and their area by strata, then, with the first 
stand listed, accumulate acres within the stratum as 
illustrated for the hardwood stratum in table 20. 


Next, determine the number of sample stands to be visited 
in each stratum. For this exercise, select 10 samples in the 
hardwood stratum, 8 in the conifer stratum, and 2 in the 
brush/open vegetation type. 


Next, determine the sampling interval (SI) and random 
start (RS) number for each stratum where: 


SI = A; / n, (truncated to a whole number) (I) 


Note the remainder (REM). For the hardwood stratum 
A, = 5,805 acres. SI = 5,805/10 = 580 acres with 5 
remaining (REM). 


The range (RG) from which we will choose a random start 
is 
RG = SI + REM (m) 


For the hardwood stratum (A;), RG = 580 + 5 = 585 
acres. 


Lastly, choose a random number (RS) between 1 and REM. 
The stand having the accumulated acreage for that number 
is the first stand chosen for sampling. For the hardwood 
stratum, we randomly chose a number between 1 and 
585. The random number we drew was 84. Stand no. 3 
contains accumulated acres 16 through 90. Hence acre 84 
falls within stand 3. This is our first sample. 


Additional stands are selected at SI intervals until the 
desired number of samples have been drawn. Thus for the 
hardwood stratum, the sample 1 is acre 84, sample 2 is at 
84+4580 or acre 664 (stand no. 23), sample 3 is at acre 
1244 (stand 54), etc. 


Table 20—Hardwood acres in uninventoried portions of the Enchanted Forest 


Stand no. 


Acres 


Accumulated acres 


Sample no. 


Stand no. 


116 
119 


Acres 
30 


45 


60 


Accumulated acres 


3,285 
3,315 
3,375 
3,465 
3,510 
3,540 
3,615 
3,660 
3,705 
3,750 
3,810 
3,885 
3,915 
3,975 
4,035 
4,080 
4,170 
4,215 
4,260 
4,320 
4,365 
4,425 


Sample no. 


10 


7h 


The same process is repeated for each stratum until all 
strata are sampled. There are a total of 5,805 acres in the 
hardwood type, 4,905 acres in the conifer type, and 930 
acres in the brush/open class. A total of 10, 8, and 2 plots 
are chosen in each stratum respectively. 


The stands sampled in this new inventory of the Enchanted 
Forest are shown in figure 36. Table 21 shows the inven- 


tories combined using the existing data as a new stratum. 


Statistical estimates—For area and volume estimates in the 
conifer vegetation type, n = 8 and N = 4,905 acres. 


To compute the area estimators for the snaileater use 


= 


Dedede! 
Q FEET 5000 


Figure 36—Location of previously measured stands (stands with bold 
boundaries) and new sampling units (n) in the Enchanted Forest. 


76 


within each stratum, all sampled stands having evidence 
of the wildlife use are assigned a value of 1 and all other 
sampled stands are given a value of 0. 


Y¥.= (1+ 0+...0)/8 = 0.5000 wildlife use per 


plot. 
(557), = {(17+07 +... 07)-[(1+0+ .. . 0)7/8]}/(8- 1) 
= 0.2857. 
(sy). = {0.2857/8 * [1 —(8/4,905)]}”? = 0.1890 wild- 
life use per plot. 
(%S~). = (0.1890/0.2857) * 100 = + 37.80%. 


Y. = 0.2857 * 4,905 = 2,452 acres of wildlife use 
in the conifer stratum. 
(S57). = [0.2857 * (4905/15300)/8] * [1 — 8/4905] = 
0.00366. 


Forest Boundary 


SSE SS 

Wess 

SCS 
ESSSS 


Ao @ 


Conifer 
@ Hardwood 
SS Brush/Open 


Table 21—Results of a combined inventory of the Enchanted Forest using stratified mapped 
stands and selection base upon probability proportional to their area; volumes are 


expressed in ccf 


Stratum 
Conifer 6 


Hardwood 3 


Stand 


Wildlife 


use 


fFo-+-0+-00— 


Net - + 0+++-0+0 


Volume/ 
acre 


16 
12 


Wildlife 
estimators 


Volume 
estimators 


14.875 
70.696 
2.973 
+ 19.98 
0.906 
72,961. 


The same estimators are computed for the hardwood and 
brush/open strata as well as for the existing information. 
The snaileater area estimates are combined for the Forest 


as follows where: 


Nae (2,452 + 4,064 + 465 + 2,280) = 9,261 acres 
of wildlife use in the Forest. 
Y= 9,261/15,300 


Forest. 


0.6053 wildlife use in the 


Sy = (0.00366 + 0.00335 + 0.00092 + 0)? = 
0.0892 wildlife use per acre. 


%oS_ = (0.0892/0.6053) * 100 = + 14.73%. 


For total volume within the conifer stratum calculate the 
estimates as follows: 


Yo = (16 + 12 +... 26)/8 = 14.88 ccf per acre. 
Gee lee e224 8 262) 10116) 124 .26)2/ 
8}}/(8-—1) = 70.70. 


Wildlife Wildlife Volume/ 
Stratum Stand use estimators acre 

Hardwood y 0.700 

si 0.233 

Sy 0.152 

%S, + 21.82 

(S53)? 0.003 

Y;, 4,063. 
Brush/open 20 1 0 

75 0 3 

rn, 1 3 

y 0.500 

Sia 0.500 

Sy 0.500 

%S, + 100.00 

(S57), 0.001 

Yb 465. 
Existing data Y, 0.623 

Sf 0.000 

Sy 0.000 

%S, 0.00 

(S3)*4 £0 

We 2,280 
Enchanted \/ 9,261. 
Forest Y 0.605 

Sy 0.089 

%S_* + 14.73 


Volume 
estimators 


19.100 
89.211 
2.987 
+ 15.63 
1.282 
110,875. 


1.500 
4.500 
1.500 
+ 100.00 
0.008 
1,395. 


14.184 
0.000 
0.000 
0.00 

+ 0. 
51,915. 


237,147. 
15.499 
1.482 
+ 9.56 


(s;). = [(70.6964/8) * [1 — (8/4,905)]"? = 2.97 ccf 


( % San 
Ve Pi 


(S24) 


y 


per acre. 
(2.97/14.87) * 100 = + 19.97%. 

14.8750 * 4,905 = 72,962 ccf in the conifer 
stratum. — 

[70.696 * (4905/15300)7/8] * [1 — 8/4905] = 
0.906. 


The same estimators are computed for the hardwood and 
brush/open strata as for the existing information. 


Y 
Y 
Sy 


per acre. 


% SE — 


(1.4823/15.4998)*100 = + 9.56 %. 


= (72,962 + 110,875 + 1,395 + 51,915) = 
237,147 ccf in the remainder of the Forest. 
237,147 /15,300 = 15.50 ccf per acre. 

(0.906 + 1.282 + 0.008 + 0)? = 1.4823 ccf 


The total estimates of area and volume by vegetation type 
are similarly computed. Combined estimates are 6,240 
acres for the conifer type, 7,965 acres for the hardwood, 
and 1,095 acres for the brush/open type. Volume esti- 
mates are 103,757 ccf for the conifer type, 131,500 ccf for 
the hardwood, and 1,890 ccf for the brush/open type. 


Stand Estimates—Previously measured and newly mea- 
sured stands are assigned their actual values. Unmeasured 
stands are assigned the stratum averages from the new 
inventory. The average volume per acre for unmeasured 
conifer stands is 14.9 ccf, 19.1 ccf for hardwoods and 1.5 
ccf for brush vegetation types. See figure 37. 


3* 


=z 


(oan 


Discussion—this application makes use of all available 
information and permits the calculation of sampling errors 
in which a good deal of credibility can be placed. It is the 
method that would be preferred if there were no additional 
information on portions of the forest. 


Complete Enumeration 

Complete enumeration of stands requires visiting and mea- 
suring every stand in the compartment. Sample plots are 
virtually always established within the stands rather than 
measuring every tree. The Southern (Belcher 1984) and 
Eastern Regions johnson 1984) have used this technique. 


Forest Boundary 


Figure 37—Mapping showing measured (*) and stratum average (s) 
volume (ccf) per acre based on the combined inventory of the Enchanted 
Forest. 


78 


Statistical Estimates—The results of a complete enumera- 
tion of the Enchanted Forest are given appendix 2. The 
red-spotted snaileater usage is 7,905 acres. Volume results 
are shown in figure 38 and table 22. 


Since all stands are represented in the sample, a sampling 
error ought not be computed from the equations presented 
in this publication. It may be possible to approximate a 
sampling error using a more sophisticated statistical ap- 
proach such as jackknifing or simulation if there is some way 
of obtaining the within-stand variation. Usually, we assume 
that within-stand variation is very much smaller than 
between-stand variation in the computation of sampling 


Forest Boundary 


Gi a 
Bos 


Figure 38—Mapping showing volume (ccf) per acre using complete 


enumeration of all stands in the Enchanted Forest. 


es 
Bo 


f 


us 


ct 


Table 22—Results of complete enumeration of stands in 
the Enchanted Forest; volumes are expressed 


in ccf 
Vegetation type Acres Total volume Volume per acre 
Conifer 6,240 106,515 17.05 
Hardwood 7,965 112,170 14.08 
Brush/open 1,095 1,410 1.29 
Total 15,300 220,095 14.39 


< 


ae 


ae 


x 


ee 


es 


79 


error; however, this may not be the case and in the case of 
complete enumeration some estimate of within-stand vari- 
ability could provide us with valuable information on the 
remaining variability. These procedures might often be ap- 
propriate, but require substantial statistical computing and 
are beyond the scope of this publication. 


Cost Estimates—Purchase of aerial photography and map- 
ping is required. Each stand is visited in the field and 10 
plots are established in each stand. Assume that it takes 1 
hour to move between stands and to start the measure- 
ment of each stand. 


L = (200-1)(1) = 199 hours. 

x (M,) = 1,011 hours. 

D = (199 + 1,011)/8 = 151.3 hours. 

F = 2(9)[199 + 1,011 + 151.2] = $24,503.4 


Field costs = $24,503 
Purchase aerial photos = 490 
Mapping = 1,148 
Total costs = $26,141, or $1.709 per acre. 


Note that there is no photo interpretation, as all informa- 
tion will come from the field samples. 


Summary of Forest Inventories 

The inventory objectives were to estimate the area used by 
the red-spotted snaileater, the total volume of the forest by 
cover type, and the volume per acre for each stand. 


We repeat the warning that no statistical comparison of the 
reliability of forest inventories is possible from the exam- 
ples presented. Additional replications in different situa- 
tions would be required. Nevertheless, some general 
observations can be made. 


Table 23 shows the results and costs for estimating total ccf 
volume by the various designs described. Costs were 
recomputed to a common + 10 percent sampling error 
using equation (f). 


Statistical Estimators—Estimates are reported for both the 
Forest as a whole and for individual stands. 


Forest Estimates—Of the designs illustrated, the stratified 
double sample tended to give more precise total results 
and the systematic sample and unstratified probability 
proportional to size sampling the least. This must be 
attributed to the characteristics of the population being 
sampled. In the latter case the more sophisticated sam- 


80 


pling designs were in fact applied as if there was ignorance 
of the major differences between the volumes in the two 
forested strata and the essentially nonforested brush/open 
stratum. 


Calculations, when probability-proportional-to-size sam- 
pling is used, are less complicated than when stands of 
unequal size are selected with equal probability, as previ- 
ously illustrated. Oderwald, Wellman, and Buhyoff (1979) 
confirm this observation. The simplicity of estimation 
procedures is a factor in favor of probability-proportional- 
to-size (area) sampling of stands. The actual calculation 
will likely be done with a computer in the context of a 
developed inventory system, but the simplicity of the 
estimation equations will aid understanding by users. 
Probability-proportional-to-size sampling is usually with 
replacement. Thus sampling probability is proportional to 
size, and the constant of proportionality does not vary 
between the selection of one unit and the next. In 
sampling small populations some precision is given up by 
sampling with replacement. The finite population correc- 
tion (fpc) cannot be used. Probability-proportional-to-size 
sampling without replacement is possible, but, because 
the constant of size proportionality changes each time a 
sampling unit is selected, the error estimation equation 
becomes more complicated. The characteristics of the 
population to be sampled and the distribution across 
subsampled elements of the population must be consid- 
ered when applying a computational method. 


All options showed a reduction in sampling error when 
stratification was introduced. Even with the small area of 
the forest and relatively few stands, the benefits of sam- 
pling are easily seen. 


Assuming the same variation and number of stands sam- 
pled, the sampling error would remain nearly constant for 
forests near the size of the Enchanted Forest and having a 
similar number of stands (i.e., measure only 20 stands of 
1,000 stands using stratified probability proportional to 
size sampling and arrive at a sample error of + 15 percent 
for the forest). However, the area of the inventory should 
remain at approximately the same order of magnitude. 
Thus, if one had a forest of 1 million acres divided in 
50,000 stands, one could not use the same technique and 
intensity to achieve the same sampling error. Several 
factors weigh on this. The population change from one 
scale to the next is probably the most significant factor. It 
is unlikely that an inventory performed on an area of 
150,000 acres would retain the same variability. A second 
consideration is that it is unlikely that the objectives of a 


Table 23—Summary of achieved sampling errors for estimating total volume (ccf) for various designs for the inventory of 


the Enchanted Forest 


Inventory design 


Sampling error Field costs Field costs’ 


Imagery Interpretation Mapping Total costs’ Cost/acre’ 


% $ $ $ $ $ $ 
Systematic 15.4454 2,275.31 5,427.99 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,427.99 0.355 
System. w/poststratification 12.2032 2,275.31 3,388.35 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,388.35 0.221 
Strip cruise 12.4805 2,275.31 3,544.09 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,544.09 0.232 
Double samp. w/estimated wts. 7.9957 2,275.31 1,454.63 489.60 1.60 0.00 1,945.83 0.127 
Stratified satellite imagery 10.0082 2,275.31 2,279.04 61.20 382.50 306.00 3,025.75 0.198 
Equal probability sampling 9.3388 2,243.59 1,956.71 489.60 0.00 1,147.50 3,593.81 0.235 
Probability prop. to area 16.6631 2,168.43 6,020.84 489.60 0.00 1,147.50 7,657.94 0.501 
Stratification w/known wts. 12.3757 2,275.31 3,484.82 489.60 306.00 1,147.50 5,427.92 0.355 
Stratified e.p.s. 12.9600 2,243.59 3,768.37 489.60 306.00 1,147.50 5,711.47 0.373 
Stratified p.p.s. 13.6466 2,168.43 4,038.26 489.60 306.00 1,147.50 5,981.36 0.391 
Combined inventories 9.5630 2,168.43 1,983.05 489.60 232.80 1,147.50 3,852.95 0.252 
Complete enumeration 0.0000 24,496.16 24,496.16* 489.60 0.00 1,147.50 26,141.40* 1.709* 


' At 10-percent sampling error computed using equation f. 


* Cost estimates for complete enumeration cannot be computed for a 10-percent sampling error. 


much larger inventory would remain the same as that of 
the small area. Additional criteria for initiating an inven- 
tory of an area larger by an order of magnitude are very 
likely to increase the required sampling intensity in order 
that important resources receive sufficient samples to 
allow for meaningful results. As a general rule, as the size 
of an inventory increases the practical intensity may have 
to increase unless strong correlation to auxiliary data 
exists. Of course, by increasing the sample size (number of 
plots or stands visited) the sample error would decrease. 


By using probability proportional to size sampling and 
stratification, one can reduce the sample error by using the 
same sample intensity or achieve the same sample error 
with less field work (i.e., measure fewer stands). 


When all strata of interest are known, prestratification is 
preferred to poststratification because one is assured that 
all strata of interest can and will be sampled. The same 
cannot be said of poststratification. 


Individual Stand Estimates—The ability to generate statis- 
tics for each stand depends on how much prior knowl- 
edge is available. 


Appendix 3 shows side by side comparisons of volume 
estimates by various designs for the stands within the 
Enchanted Forest. As one might expect, there are consid- 
erable differences between the assigned values and the 
ground truth. Again stratification appears to improve the 
resolution of the inventory. While a sampling error cannot 
be computed for each stand, estimates of the sampling 
error are available for each stratum. 


Where stratification is not used, the sampling error of the 
whole forest may be examined to give some hint as to the 
reliability of each stand estimate though prior knowledge 
is limited. 


Stand estimates can be further refined using inventory 
data. If relationships can be established between variables 
that can be easily interpreted from aerial photos (such as 
height) and variables that are best measured or determined 
from field observations (such as volume), prediction equa- 
tions can be developed to assist in future stand mapping. 
For example, assume overstory heights (h) were estimated 
for each photo plot. A regression is developed between the 
heights and volume for photo points that were measured 
in the field (see Freese (1962) for formulation), where 
volume per acre (v) is: 


v = —0.3271 + 0.317h (h) (25) 


When the height (h) = zero, v is set to zero, and the 
coefficient of determination is 0.94. 


The equation can be applied using the nonfield measured 
photo points to derive volume estimates for each photo 
point (see fig. 18). When the stands are eventually 
mapped, the overstory heights can be interpreted from 
aerial photos and volumes per acre can be predicted for 
each stand without further field work. Lund (1974) used 
this technique for forest inventories in the U.S. Depart- 
ment of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, and Lund 
and Kniesel (1975) used the same process to predict 
multiresource values such as deer-days use and forage 
production. 


81 


If the stands are already mapped and heights interpreted, 
as in the case of the stratified probability proportional to 
area sample, the predicted values can be directly applied 
and a volume map generated. The second-to-last column 
of Appendix 3 and figure 39 give the results of such an 
exercise using equation (24). This technique was used by 
Brickell (1984) and is an economical technique for obtain- 
ing stand estimates. Langley (1983) used a similar tech- 
nique and incorporates the results in a geographic infor- 
mation system. 


Zz 


[Eerie 
0 FEET 5000 


Cost Estimates—The comparison of inventory design costs 
involving no prior mapping versus prior mapping is clear. 
If it is the case that mapping is never to be undertaken, 
then our examples indicate that the costs do not justify if 
for inventory alone. Overall, the actual cost incurred for 
inventories without mapping was less. This result may be 
due primarily to assumptions. However, the eventual use 
of an inventory by a forest manager and resource specialist 
virtually always requires stand mapping. Thus, the cost of 
mapping is just delayed, not avoided. Prior mapping is 


xy 


82 


Figure 39—Mapping showing measured (*) and predicted volumes (cc?) 
per acre based upon a stratified sample of stands proportional to their 
size and predictions base upon photo-interpreted heights of the overstory. 


cheaper in the long run because the area information is 
collected only once. If mapping is delayed, the area 
information must first be derived from the sample plots 
and then be rectified when mapping is complete; this 
incurs additional time and cost that is avoided with prior 
stand mapping. 


The comparison of costs necessary to achieve a +10 
percent sampling error shows that the gains in sampling 
precision may outweigh the costs of mapping. 


The cost of introducing randomization into an inventory 
design that provides the foundation for a statistical sample 
is minimal. The cost of an inventory of two stands that are 
selected for probability sampling is no greater than one 
based on a subjective sample with preconceived bias. 


Inventory costs generally tend to increase with increasing 
complexity of the sampling design. Equal probability 
sampling may be more or less expensive than probability- 
proportional-to-size sampling. When using probability- 
proportional-to-size sampling, larger area stands are more 
likely to be selected than in equal probability sampling. 
Measurement of larger stands may require more field time 
than small stands because more area has to be traversed. It 
should be clear that only slightly more large area stands 
would be included; thus increases in costs could be 
minimal. 


Stratified sampling also offers savings. In nearly all the 
cases demonstrated here, stratification offered lower total 
costs at equitable sampling errors even though the costs of 
forming the stratum were added. 


MacLean (1972) confirms this relationship. In general, 
stratified sampling results in increased information for a 
given cost because (Mendenhall, Ott, and Scheaffer 
SA): 


1. The data are usually more homogeneous within each 
stratum than in the population as a whole. Hence, fewer 
samples are usually needed. 


2. The cost of conducting the actual sampling may be less 
for stratified random sampling than for simple random 
sampling because of administrative convenience. Plots 
falling in the brush stratum, for example, could possibly 
have been measured with a one person crew. Without that 
prior knowledge, a two person crew would have been sent 
to the plot location. 


3. Separate estimates of population parameters can be 
obtained for each stratum without additional sampling. 
Estimates for each vegetation type were assured, where as 
without stratification this could not be guaranteed. 


Key to Options—A rough key or guide to selection of 
inventory designs based on available information is as 
follows: 


1. Stand mapping available? 
a. Yes. Go to 4. 
b. No. Go to 2. 


2. Aerial photography available? 
a. Yes. Use stratified double sampling. 
b. No. Go to 3. 


3. Satellite imagery available? 
a. Yes. Use stratified satellite technique. 
b. No. Use systematic sample. 


4. Stand characteristics available? 
a. Yes. Use stratified equal-probability sampling or 
probability-proportional-to-size sampling. 
b. No. Use equal probability sampling or probability- 
proportional-to-size design. 


In all cases, existing data should be incorporated appro- 
priately. In evaluating existing information, consider the 
age of the data and the definitions and standards, sample 
design, and control used in gathering the information 
(Lund and Schreuder 1980). Old information may be 
updated by accounting techniques (i.e., subtracting timber 
harvested) or by modeling techniques to “grow” the stands 
forward in time. 


83 


Conclusions 


There are many ways of obtaining stand and forest infor- 
mation to produce spatially distributed resource informa- 
tion. They range from measuring every tree in every stand 
to the use of very light samples and multistage or mul- 
tiphase sampling, including satellite imagery at the highest 
level. Each method, indeed even repetitions of the same 
method, will produce slightly different results. This report 
has presented some of the most common designs in use by 
the USDA Forest Service and other agencies along with 
the statistics that allow us to judge the accuracy of these 
designs. 


The objective of the inventory and the funds available will 
determine which technique to use. Complete enumera- 
tion is often impractical unless the benefits of increased 
precision outweigh the costs, as might be the case for an 
extremely valuable resource. Even then, the measurement 
error of a complete enumeration may be larger than the 
error obtained from sampling. 


No matter which sampling technique is used, it is always 
assumed that the sampling unit represents the actual 
condition. This is a serious consideration that is often 
evaded in the preparation of an inventory. It is extremely 
important that the sample represent the population of 
interest. For example, a low-quality product of the forest, 
such as hardwood removals in a primarily softwood 
market area, might be poorly represented in a sample 
designed to monitor the flow of harvested softwoods. 


Statistical sampling and subjective sampling should not be 
mixed. If, for example, one selects stands to be measured 
using probability proportional to the size of the mapped 
unit and then measures the stand using subjective sam- 
pling, inferences about the result, estimates of reliability, 
and other desirable characteristics of sampling will be 
compromised. If stands within a compartment are subjec- 
tively selected for sampling and plots are randomly estab- 
lished within the stand, one should not attempt to com- 
pute the variance and.sample errors for the compartment 
using the formulas presented here. Errors may be calcu- 
lated for the stand, however. There are valid techniques for 
arriving at an estimate of the variance, but they should be 
prepared by a statistician. 


For stand inventories, the systematic distribution generally 
gives the best results, as long as there are no systematic 
regularities in the forest that correspond to the sample 
installations. For forest inventories, at least based on the 
examples given in this report, prior stand mapping is 
desirable and stratification reduces the sampling error. 
Stand estimates can be generated by prediction equations 
where correlations are relatively high (say greater than 0.6 
to 0.7). Where correlations are low, stratification is also 
useful for providing rough stand estimates based upon 
stratum means. 


Where stand mapping is not available, the use of cells, 
isolines, partial mapping, or digital satellite reconnais- 
sance may yield useful spatial information. 


The examples presented in this chapter represent simple, 
straightforward application of basic statistical sampling 
formulae to increasingly complex inventory situations. 
Estimates of area, wildlife use, and wood volume may all 
be computed using these basic statistical formulae. While 
we are recommending the application of these design and 
computational formulae for many situations, we are also 
obliged to advise readers that there have been important 
advances in the area of survey (inventory) sampling. When 
a single attribute is the major interest, there are sampling 
strategies that can provide important gains in efficiency 
and cost that are beyond the scope of this primer (e.g., 
Schreuder and Wood 1986; Green 1987; Gregoire et al. 
1987). 


Even though the examples used in this report dealt gener- 
ally with a timber inventory situation, the options and 
techniques can be used for most resource inventories, 
such as surveys of wildlife habitat and range allotments. 


Readers are encouraged to consult the publications listed 
in the sections on References Cited and Additional Se 
lected References. These provide the details not contained 
in this report. 


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Statistics and Sampling 

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Plot Configuration 

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Wiant, Harry V., Jr; Yandle, David O. 1980. Optimum plot size for 
cruising sawtimber in eastern forests. Journal of Forestry 78: 642-643. 

Zeide, Boris. 1980. Plot size optimization. Forest Science 26: 251—257. 


Forest Inventory 

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Proceedings of a workshop; 1979 July 23—26; Fort Collins, CO. Fort 
Collins, CO: Colorado State University, Department of Forest and 
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Frayer, W. E.; Hartman, George B.; Bower, David R., eds. 1974. Inventory 
design and analysis. Proceedings of a workshop; 1974 July 23—25; Fort 
Collins, CO. Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University. 368 p. 

Husch, B. Planning a forest inventory. 1978. FAO Forestry Ser. 4, Forestry 
and Forest Product Studies 17. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organiza- 
tion. 121 p. 

Husch, Bertram; Miller, Charles |.; Beers, Thomas W. 1972. Forest 
mensuration. 2d ed. New York: Ronald Press. 410 p. 

Kuusela, Kullervo; Nyyssonen, Aarne, eds. 1983. Forest inventory for 
improved management. Proceedings of the IUFRO Subject Group 4.02 
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17. Helsinki, Finland: University of Helsinki, Dept. of Forest Mensu- 
ration and Management. 207 p. 

Loetsch, F.; Zoehrer, F.; Haller, K.E. Forest inventory volume II. Munchen, 
West Germany: Bayerischer Landwirtschaftsverlag Gmbh. 1973. 469 p. 

Spurr, Stephen H. 1952. Forest inventory. New York: Ronald Press. 476 p. 


Special Inventories 

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selected bibliography. Tech. Note 319. Denver, CO: U.S. Department 
of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Denver Service Center. 61 p 


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physical, chemical and biological condition of wilderness ecosystems. 
Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-—146. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experi- 
ment Station. 48 p. 

LaBau, Vernon J.; Kerr, Calvin L., eds. 1984. Inventorying forest and other 
vegetation of the high latitude and high altitude regions. Proceedings 
of an international symposium; 1984 July 23-26; Fairbanks, AK. SAF 
84-11. Bethesda, MD: Society of American Foresters. 296 p. 

Lund, H. Gyde; Caballero, Miguel; Hamre, R. H.; Driscoll, Richard S.; 
Bonner, William, tech. coords. 1981. Arid land resource inventories: 
developing cost-efficient methods: Proceedings; 1980 November 30- 
December 6; La Paz, Mexico. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-28. Washington, 
DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 620 p. 

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tech. coords. 1978. Integrated inventories of renewable natural re- 
sources: Proceedings of the workshop; 1978 January 8-12; Tucson, 
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ment Station. 482 p. 

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forest inventory. Proceedings; 1978 June 18-26; Bucharest, Romania. 
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Schlatterer, Ed; Lund, H. Gyde, eds. 1984. Proceedings of the inventory 
integration workshop; 1984 October 15-19; Portland, OR: Washing- 
ton, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Range and 
Timber Management Staffs. 165 p. 

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Monitoring 

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for monitoring changes and trends; 1983 August 15-19; Corvallis, OR. 
SAF 83-14. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University; 1983. 737 p. 

Cunia, Tiberius, ed. 1974. IUFRO proceedings, monitoring forest envi- 
ronment through successive sampling; 1974 June 24-26; Syracuse, 
NY. Syracuse, NY: State College of Environmental Sciences and 
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Curtis, Robert O. 1983. Procedures for establishing and maintaining 
permanent plots for silvicultural and yield research. Gen. Tech. Rep. 
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forests. Proceedings of IUFRO conference; 1985 August 19-24; 
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fur das forstliche Versuchswesen. 404 p. 

Schmid-Haas, Paul., ed. 1988. Inventorying and monitoring forests. 
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rainforest. Trop. For. Pap. 14. Oxford, England: University of Oxford, 
Commonwealth Forestry Institute. 67 p. 


89 


Appendix 1: Equations and Formulas Used in 


Text 


Statistical Estimators 


A= 


( yv2 = 


90 


The total area of the inventory unit in 
acres. 


The area of a sampling unit or a plot in 
acres. 


The number of sampling units or plots 
established. 


The value for item of interest, such as 
volume per acre (ccf), measured or 
observed at each plot location. 


The square root of the parenthetical 
expression. 


The total number of possible sampling 
units in the entire population where: 


N = A/a (1) 


The estimated mean value of interest, 
such as volume per acre (ccf) where: 


y = (2 ypin (2) 


The estimated variance of individual 
values of y where: 


sy? = {2 y-(@ y)7/n}/(n-1) (3) 


The estimated standard deviation of y 
where: 


S me (Sn (4) 


The estimated standard error of the 
mean for a simple random sample. For 
sampling without replacement (*): 


ss* = {s,7/ nm * [1-(n/N)]} 1? (5) 
Y) y 


or for where sampling is with 
replacement: 


Se = (s,7/n)"/? (6) 


The expression [1—(n/N)] is known as 
the finite population correction or f.p.c. 
If (n/N) is less than 0.05, the f.p.c. is 
commonly ignored and equation (6) is 
used. 


The estimated sampling error of the 
mean value such as mean volume per 
acre (ccf) where: 


s.=5/¥Y (7) 


The estimated sampling error of the 
mean value (such as mean ccf volume 
per acre) expressed as a percent where: 


%S. = (s; / y)*100 (8) 


The estimated total value (such as total 
ccf volume) in the population where: 


a 


Y=y*A (9) 


The estimated number of sampling units 
necessary to sample within certain 
prescribed precision and confidence 
limits. 

n= [(t* sis. * WP (10) 


Students “t’ which is a_ value 
establishing a level of probability. The 
values of “t’ have been tabulated and 
are available in most statistical textbooks 
including those referenced in this report. 


A first approximation guess of the 
standard deviation from a very small or 
preliminary survey. 


sp = B/3 or B/4 (11) 
the estimated range from the smallest to 
the largest value likely to be encoun- 


tered in sampling. 


The field plot expansion factor. 
EF =A/n (12) 


The area in stratum i. In the primer i = 
c,h,b for example. 


A; = A = (n; / N)) (13) 
number of plots in stratum. 


total number of plots in inventory. 


=< 


%o SE Mae 


where a; 


weighted stratum variance. 


(S57); = [(s? * (N/N)?/n] * [1-(n/ 
Nj] (14) 


The total value for a resource in the 
Enchanted Forest. 


Y = X(Y;) (15) 


The mean value in the Enchanted Forest. 


Y=Y/A (16) 


The standard error of the mean for the 
Forest. 


Sy = [2(S;7)1"” (17) 


The estimated sampling error of the 
mean value for the Forest expressed as a 
percent where: 


%S,_ = (Sy / Y)*100 (18) 


The estimated mean volume per acre for 
the Forest when using equal probability 
sampling of stands. An __ alternative 
description of the estimator, y,, is the 
weighted mean of stand per acre values, 
with the per acre value for each stand 
weighted by its acreage. 


Vw = 2wiy; / 2w; (19) 
area in acres in sampled stand and 

value per acre in sampled stand. 

The weighted variance. 

S,7? = Zw; (y; - Yy) / Zw; (20) 


the weighted standard error of the mean 
value. 


Sy = (S,7/n)"? (21) 


the percent sampling error. 


%s. = (S/Vy) * 100 (22) 


expected vaiue for a proportion. 


Yp = 2(n; _ /n, (23) 


where n, is the sample size and n; _ ; is the number of 


occurences. 


s*(V,) = the variance of a proportion. 


s*(V,) = ¥, (1 - ¥,) (24) 
v= The predicted volume per acre using 

photo interpreted heights of the 

overstory. 

v = -—0.3271 + 0.317h (h) (25) 
where h = height of the overstory in feet. When the 


height (h) = zero, v is set to zero. 


Cost Estimators 

C= The size of the field crew. Size of crew 
= 1 person for subjective samples; 2 
persons for statistical samples and 
complete enumeration. 


W = The hourly wage per person in dollars. 
Hourly wage = $9.00 per person. 


M = The time per crew to measure each 
sampling unit in hours. Plot 
measurement time in hours = 0.167 


hour for subjective samples; 0.5 hour for 
statistical samples; and 1 hour for 
complete enumeration. 


nN = The number of sampling units to be 
measured. 
L= The travel time between sampling units 


in hours. Time (in hours) traveling 
between sampling units (L) varies with 
distance or interval between plots (I) or 
(i) and number of sampling units (n). It 
is assumed that a crew travels at a speed 
of 10,560 feet per hour through the 
woods. For statistical sampling: 


L = [(n—1)iJ/10,560 (a) 
where i = interval in feet between sample plots or 
points. 


oi 


D= The daily travel time to and from the 
~inventory unit in hours (D). For 
simplicity it is assumed that for each 8 
hours spent within the inventory unit, 1 
hour is spent in total travel time to and 
from the inventory unit. 


D = [L + n (M)/8 (b) 
F = The field cost in dollars. 
F = CW {[L + n(M)] + D} (c) 


i= The interval between plot centers in feet 
based on equilateral triangles. 


| = 224.272*(A/n)"? (d) 


The metric equivalent is 

1 = 107.456 * (A/n)'? (e) 
where | is expressed in meters and A in hectares. 
Field costs in dollars that would be 


required to achieve a specified percent 
sampling error. 


$Se, = $ (%S, / %Sop)” (f) 


total field cost in dollars for a particular 
option. 


$Sep = 


where $ = 


%Sep = the desired sampling error in percent. 


M = The time to measure 1 plot (includes 
subplots). 


M = {[(n—1) ()/10,560} + n(0.5) 


92 


Where n is the number of subplots and i is the interval 
in feet between subplots. 


i = 70.921 (a)1/2 (h) 
where a is the area of the sample stand in acres. 
M, = The time to traverse and measure a 


sample stand when each plot takes 0.5 
hour to measure and there are 10 plots 


to establish. 
M, = {(n—1)[0.0067 (a)? } + n(0.5) 
for 10 plots (i) 


The daily travel time (D) is revised as follows: 
D = [L + =(M)V/8 1) 
where E(M) = the sum of the time to measure all 
selected stands. 


Similarly, total cost of field time (F) is adjusted to: 
F = CW [(L + 2(M,. + D] (k) 


Sl= The sampling interval for each stratum. 
SI = A; / n; 
(truncated to a whole number) = (I) 


RG = The range from which a random start is 
chosen. 


RG = SI + REM (m) 


where REM = the remainder in the division performed 
using equation (I). 


Appendix 2: Stand Characteristics of the 
Enchanted Forest 


Stand data based on complete enumeration. For vegeta- 
tion type: 1 = hardwoods; 2 = conifers; and 3 = 
brush/open. For density: 1 = 0-30% canopy cover; 2 = 
31-60% canopy cover; and 3 = 61+ % canopy cover. For 
wildlife use: 0 = no use; 1 = used. 


Stand no. Wildlife use Vegetation type Acres Ccf/acre Density Stand no. Wildlife use Vegetation type Acres Ccflacre Density 


1 0 1 45 15 2 46 1 2 75 28 3 

2 0 1 720 3 1 47 0 2 30 16 2 

3 0 1 45 28 3 48 1 2 60 15 1 

4 1 2 45 17 2 49 1 2 75 16 2 

5 0 2 75 6 1 50 0 2 75 9 1 

6 1 2 135 16 2 51 0 1 45 30 3 

7 0 2 15 20 2 52 0 2 120 20 2 

8 0 2 135 16 2 53 0 2 30 9 1 

9 1 1 165 8 1 54 0 1 75 3 1 
10 1 2 120 30 3 55 1 1 240 13 2 
11 0 1 150 7 1 56 1 2 60 16 2 
12 1 1 60 22 3 57 0 1 75 10 2 
13 0 3 45 0 1 58 1 2 30 23 3 
14 0 2 330 Uz 2 59 0 1 15 28 3 
15 0 2 45 9 1 60 1 2 15 21 3 
16 1 3 120 3 1 61 1 1 30 12 2 
Wz 0 2 90 12 2 62 0 3 30 0 1 
18 0 2 60 21 3 63 1 1 15 12 2 
ie) 0 2 15 12 2 64 1 2 30 27 3 
20 1 3 180 0 1 65 1 1 30 29 3 
21 0 1 60 1 1 66 0 2 30 28 3 
22 0 1 90 13 2 67 1 1 6 6 1 
23 1 1 75 27 3 68 1 2 165 8 1 
24 0 1 45 4 1 69 1 1 90 13 2 
25 1 1 60 10 2 70 1 1 150 U 1 
26 1 3 30 0 1 71 0 3 105 0 1 
27 0 1 60 18 2 72 1 1 165 15 2 
28 0 1 60 9 2 73 1 2 15 23 3 
29 1 2 105 10 2 74 0 1 60 15 2 
30 1 2 675 19 3 75 0 3 135 3 1 
31 1 2 150 10 1 76 1 1 75 27 3 
32 0 2 45 29 3 UU. 1 1 285 21 2 
33 1 1 90 7 1 78 1 1 120 30 3 
34 0 2 75 6 1 79 1 1 15 13 2 
35 1 1 165 9 1 80 1 3 45 3 1 
36 0 2 360 32 3 81 0 2 90 7 1 
37 0 2 75 15 2 82 1 2 90 13 2 
38 0 2 30 4 1 83 1 1 30 24 3 
39 0 1 30 4 1 84 1 3 75 2 1 
40 1 1 15 21 3 85 0 1 45 11 2 
41 1 2 30 12 2 86 0 2 60 19 2 
42 0 2 60 2 1 87 1 1 60 19 2 
43 0 3 60 0 1 88 0 2 60 5 2 
44 1 1 60 9 1 89 0 2 60 4 1 
45 0 3 60 1 1 90 0 2 60 30 3 


93 


Appendix 2—continued. 


Stand no. Wildlife use Vegetation type Acres Ccf/acre Density Stand no. Wildlife use Vegetation type Acres Ccflacre Density 


91 0 2 60 8 2 146 1 1 60 24 3 
92 1 2 45 6 1 147 0 1 45 24 1 
93 0 2 75 17 2 148 1 2 15 13 2 
94 0 1 120 20 2 149 0 2 60 20 3 
95 0 1 45 25 3 150 1 1 60 8 1 
96 1 2 45 11 2 151 0 1 60 23 3 
97 1 1 75 19 2 152 0 1 75 19 2 
98 1 1 45 30 2 153 1 2 45 3 1 
99 1 1 15 1 1 154 1 2 75 23 3 
100 1 1 30 8 1 155 0 1 60 22 3 
101 1 2 45 17 3 156 1 1 45 3 1 
102 (0) 1 60 We 1 157 0 2 60 19 2 
103 1 3 30 1 3 158 1 1 135 12 2 
104 0 2 15 29 2 159 1 2 60 5 1 
105 1 1 165 29 2 160 0 1 75 17 2 
106 0 1 15 22 1 161 1 2 30 9 1 
107 0 1 45 19 2 162 1 1 30 9 1 
108 1 2 30 1 3 163 1 2 30 27 3 
109 0 2 15 10 3 164 0 1 30 17 2 
110 1 1 15 18 2 165 0 2 60 u 1 
111 0 2 15 1 3 166 0 1 45 1 1 
112 0 1 15 16 2 167 0 1 60 21 2 
113 0 1 30 19 1 168 1 2 75 22 3 
114 1 1 15 30 2 169 1 1 60 30 3 
115 1 1 45 23 3 170 0) 2 45 31 3 
116 1 1 30 2 1 171 1 2 60 17 2 
117 0 3 30 0 1 172 1 1 45 21 3 
118 1 2 30 3 1 173 1 2 75 11 2 
119 1 1 30 12 1 174 1 1 45 18 2 
120 0 1 60 14 2 175 1 2 60 26 2 
121 0 2 60 18 2 176 0 2 30 30 3 
122 0 1 90 23 3 177 0 1 45 11 2 
123 (0) 1 45 3 1 178 1 1 45 8 1 
124 0 2 30 18 2 179 0 2 420 26 3 
125 1 2 45 4 1 180 0 2 45 15 2 
126 0) 1 30 1 1 181 0 1 60 30 3 
127 0 1 75 23 3 182 0 2 45 27 3 
128 1 2 120 12 2 183 1 2 90 11 1 
129 1 3 45 3 1 184 1 2 30 13 2 
130 1 1 45 18 2 185 1 1 30 18 2 
131 1 1 45 5 1 186 1 1 30 10 1 
132 0 1 45 13 2 187 1 1 30 14 2 
133 0 1 60 11 1 188 1 1 75 22 3 
134 1 1 75 29 3 189 0 1 45 3 1 
135 1 1 30 29 2 190 0 2 30 13 2 
136 0 2 120 16 2 191 0 2 45 22 3 
137 0 1 60 21 3 192 0 1 135 3 1 
138 1 3 30 2 1 193 0 2 30 22 3 
139 1 1 60 2 1 194 1 1 75 23 3 
140 0 3 75 1 1 195 0 1 60 9 2 
141 0 1 45 20 3 196 0 1 90 1 1 
142 0 2 45 5 1 197 1 2 30 10 1 
143 1 1 90 11 1 198 0 1 45 11 1 
144 0 1 45 23 2 199 0 1 45 16 2 
145 0 1 45 5 1 200 1 1 810 14 1 


Appendix 3: Stand Estimates by Various 
Inventory Designs 


Stand estimates of volume per acre by various inventory 
designs. U = unstratified. S = stratified. EPS = equal 
probability sampling. PPS = probability proportional to 
size. P| Height = height of overstory vegetation in feet as 
measured from aerial photography. Predicted CCF/AC = 


Stand U-EPS- U-PPS- S-EPS- S-PPS- PI Predicted CCF/ 
no. CCF/AC CCF/AC CCF/AC CCF/AC height CCF/AC AC 


16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 45 14.0 15° 
16.9 3.0* 17.7 3.0* 15 3.0* 3” 
16.9 12.9 Utat/ 10.2 90 28.3 28* 
16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 55 17.1 Us 
16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 20 6.0 6* 


16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 50 15.5 16° 
16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 65 20.3 20* 
16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 55 17.1 16° 
16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 25 7.6 8 

10 30.0* 3007) 23010") (30:07 95 SOO Fi SOr 


11 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 25 7.6 Ue 
12 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 7A! FAL) 227 
13 16.9 12.9 0.0 3.0 0 0.0* 0* 
14 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 60 18.7 Uns 
15 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 30 9.2 9F 


16 16.9 3.0* 0.0* 3.0* 10 3.0* 3* 
17 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 40 12.4 125 
Loe e205 12.9 PAldo)s 9 EHS) 65 20.3 Cae 
19 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 45 14.0 WW? 
20 16.9 12.9 0.0 3.0 0 0.0 0* 


21 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 5 1.3 Ue 
22 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 40 12.4 13* 
23 16.9 12.9 UZet/ 10.2 8502657, Pas 
24 16.9 12.9 UEoll 10.2 15 4.4 4* 
25 10.0* 12.9 HOO aaa Or2 45 14.0 10* 


GOON O|OASAN — 


26 0.0* 12.9 0.0* 3.0 0 0.0 0* 
27 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 55 17.1 18* 
28 16.9 CHO Tear 9/05 35 9.0* OF 


29 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 30 9:2 10* 
30 16.9 19 Ops: 2 19.0* 70 NOLO eles 


31 16.9 12.9 18.2 19:5 35 10.8 Oi 
32 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 90 28.3 295 
33 16.9 Udule 17.7 OKs 30 7.07 The 
34 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 25 7.6 6* 
35 16.9 12.9 UGE 10.2 35 10.8 95 


36 16.9 32.0* 18.2 32. Oba a OO 32: Ona too 
37 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 50 15.5 155 
38 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 20 6.0 4* 
39 16.9 12.9 ULL 10.2 15 4.4 4* 
40 16.9 12.9 Wate 10.2 TAY | CAS) 21* 


41 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 40 12.4 We 
42 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 5 1.3 2a 
43 16.9 12.9 0.0 3.0 0 0.0 0* 
44 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 30 9.2 oe 
45 16.9 12.9 0.0 3.0 10 2.8 lis 


Calculated volume per acre using regression equation (25) 
and photo interpreted heights. Last column is ground truth 
ccf for the stand. * = Measured on the ground. All other 
values for volume per acre are either Forest or stratum 
averages or are predicted values. 


Stand U-EPS- U-PPS- S-EPS- S-PPS- PI Predicted CCF/ 


no. CCF/IAC CCF/AC CCF/AC CCF/AC height CCF/AC AC 


46 16.9 12:9 18.2 19.5 95 29.8 28* 
47 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 60 18.7 16° 
48 16.9 12:9 18.2 19.5 55 17.1 15* 
49 16.9 12.9 18.2 19:5 50 15.5 16° 
50 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 35 10.8 oF 


51 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 95 29.8 30° 
52 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 65 20.3 20° 
53 0x S07 910% 9:05 30 905 9° 
54 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 15 4.4 3* 
55 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 50 15.5 13° 


56 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 55 17.1 16° 
57, 16:9 12.9 UCtet/ 10.2 40 12.4 10* 
BTS UO) 12.9 18.2 19.5 70 21.9 23* 
59) 16:9 12.9 17.7 10.2 90 28.3 28° 
60 16:9 12.9 18.2 19.5 75 23.5 ili 


61 =12.0* 12.9 12.0* 10.2 45 14.0 25 
62 0.0* 12.9 0.0* 3.0 0 0.0 0* 
63 16.9 12.9 UUoth 10.2 40 12.4 125 
64 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 90 28.3 7A fie 
65 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 95 29.8 29" 


66 16.9 209 18.2 19.5 95 29.8 28* 
67, 16:9 6.0* 17.7 6.0* 35 6.0* 6* 
68 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 25 7.6 8* 
69/55 16:9 12:9 Uzoe/ 10.2 40 12.4 13° 
TAY UGS Oe 17.7 7.0* 30 Or Ue 


TA 16:9 12.9 0.0 3.0 0 0.0 0* 
26:9 12.9 Ute 10.2 45 14.0 155 
T3e > N639 12.9 18.2 19.5 75 23.5 23° 
74 15.0" 12.9 15.0* 10.2 60 
79) 16:9. 12.9 0.0 3.0 10 2.8 3* 


76 16:9 12:9). 17.7 10.2 85 26.7 ray 
ii 16:9 12.9 17.7 10.2 65 20.3 Zils 
12.9 17.7 10.2 100 31.4 30* 
79) 16:9 12.9 Wars 10.2 45 14.0 13° 
80 16.9 12.9 0.0 3.0 15 4.4 3* 


81 7.0* 12.9 Udue 19.5 25 7.6 Ve 
S25 16:9 219 18.2 19.5 50 15.5 13° 
83 16.9 12.9 ULE, 10.2 75 23.5 24* 
84 16.9 12.9 0.0 3.0 10 2.8 on 
85, | 16:9 12.9 17.7 10.2 40 12.4 fits 


86) 16:9 12.9 18.2 19.5 60 18.7 19% 
Sf 16:9 12:9 17.7 10.2 65 20.3 19° 
88 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 20 6.0 5* 
89°" 16:9 12.9 18.2 19.5 20 6.0 4* 
90 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 95 29.8 30* 


95 


Appendix 3—continued. 


Stand U-EPS- U-PPS- S-EPS- S-PPS- PI Predicted CCF/ Stand U-EPS- U-PPS- S-EPS- S-PPS- PI Predicted CCF/ 


no. CCF/AC CCF/AC CCF/AC CCFIAC height CCF/AC AC no. CCF/AC CCF/AC CCF/AC CCFI/AC height CCF/AC AC 
Sip 69 8.0° 18.2 8.0* 35 8.0° 8* 146 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 80 25m 24* 
92 6.0* 12.9 6.0* 19.5 20 6.0 6* 147 =16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 80 §=25.1 24* 
93 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 60 18.7 wey 148 #8 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 40 12.4 13* 
94 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 70 =«621.9 20* 149 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 65 20.3 20* 
95 25.0" 129 25.0* 102 80 25.1 25° 150 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 30 9.2 8h 
96 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 35 10.8 lithe 151 16.9 12.9 UC 10.2 80 25.1 23* 
97 16.9 19.0* 17.7 19.0* 60 19.0" 19° 152 19.0* 19.0* Or VEO 70 VEO Ae 
98 30.0° 12.9 30.0* 10.2 80 25.1 30* 153 3.0* 12.9 3:05 > 19!5 15 4.4 3* 
99 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 10 2.8 We 154 23.0 12.9 23.0 19.5 75 23.5 23* 
100 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 25 7.6 8* 155 16.9 12.9 ULets 10.2 75 23.5 22* 
101 + 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 60 18.7 Whe 156 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 15 4.4 < fe 
102. 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 55 17.1 vis 157 16.9 12:9 18.2 19.5 65 20.3 197 
103. 16.9 12.9 0.0 3.0 10 2.8 Ul? 158 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 40 12.4 125 
104 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 95 29.8 29* 159 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 20 6.0 5* 
105 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 95 29.8 29* 160 16.9 12.9 UCL 10.2 55 17.1 Ue 
106 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 75 23.5 22* 161 16.9 29 18.2 19.5 35 10.8 9 
107. 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 65 20.3 19* 162 16.9 12.9 Certs 10.2 30 9.2 9° 
108 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 10 2.8 iti 163 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 90 28.3 2te 
109 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 40 12.4 10° 164 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 55 17.1 Un 
110 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 55 17.1 18° 165 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 30 9.2 Ue 
111 +16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 10 2.8 Ne 166 16.9 12On UZAet/ Udde 5 1.0* ue 
112 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 55 17.1 16* 167 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 75 23.5 Zils 
113 «16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 65 20.3 19° 168 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 70 21.9 22* 
114 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 100 31.4 30* 169) 16:9 12.9 17.7 10.2 95 29.8 30* 
115 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 80 25.1 23* ZO MSlLOn 12.9 3105 9:5 105 33.0 31* 
116 2.0* 12.9 2.0* 10.2 15 4.4 2a WA Wew) 12.9 18.2 19.5 60 18.7 * aa 
117. 16.9 12.9 0.0 3.0 0 0.0 0* Ue VeloH 12.9 21.0* 10.2 70 21.9 Ze 
118 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 10 2.8 3* 173 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 40 12.4 uu 
119 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 45 14.0 Wey 174 16.9 12.9 AIZ/ETA 10.2 55 ULL 18* 
120 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 45 14.0 14* 175 16.9 26.0* 18.2 26.0* 85 26/07 cor 
121 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 65 20.3 18° 176 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 100 31.4 30* 
122 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 70 3=—.21.9 23* ite mlO:o 12.9 Nifet, 10.2 35 10.8 ny 
123. «16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 15 4.4 3* 178 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 35 10.8 8* 
124 16.9 18.0* 18.2 18.0°* 60 18.0* 18° 179 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 90 28.3 26* 
125 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 15 4.4 4* 180 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 55 17.1 15* 
126 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 5 1.3 ue 181 16.9 12.9 UZEt/ 10.2 95 29.8 30* 
127 =16.9 12.9 Weare 10.2 75). 23:0 23° 182 16:9 12.9 18.2 19.5 85 26.7 27- 
128 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 45 14.0 Ue 183) 16:9 12.9 18.2 19.5 40 12.4 api 
129 16.9 3.0* 0.0 3.0* 10 3.0* 3* 184 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 50 15.5 13* 
130 16.9 12.9 WHat: 10.2 60 18.7 18* 185 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 65 20.3 18* 
131 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 25 7.6 5° 186 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 40 12.4 10° 
132 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 45 14.0 13* 187 = 14.0* 12.9 14:0" > (10!2 45 14.0 14* 
133 «16.9 12.9 ULéare 10.2 40 12.4 Vials 188 16.9 22.0* UTéat/ 22.0* 65 22 0n eos 
134 16.9 12.9 ULAT/ 10.2 100 31.4 29* 189) 9169 12.9 17.7 10.2 10 2.8 3* 
135 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 95 29.8 eo 190)" 16:9 12.9 18.2 19.5 50 15:5 13* 
136 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 60 18.7 16° 191 16:9 12.9 18.2 19.5 75 23.5 22* 
137 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 70 21.9 21* 192)" / 16:9 12.9 17.7 10.2 15 4.4 3* 
138 16.9 12.9 0.0 3.0 5 1.3 2* 193 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 70 21.9 22* 
139 16.9 12.9 Weet/ 10.2 15 4.4 2e 194 16.9 12.9 UZArA 10.2 80 25.1 23* 
140 16.9 12.9 0.0 3.0 10 2.8 ils 195) R16:9 12.9 17.7 10.2 30 9.2 2: 
141 16.9 12.9 UC/st 10.2 70 21.9 20* 196 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 10 2.8 uly 
142 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 20 6.0 Si 197 16.9 12.9 18.2 19.5 35 10.8 10* 
143° «16.9 12.9 ULots 10.2 35 10.8 Ue 198 16.9 12.9 UATE 10.2 40 12.4 uth 
144 8 23.0° 12.9 23.0* 10.2 65 20.3 23* 199 16.9 12.9 17.7 10.2 55 17.1 16* 
145 16.9 12.9 Wears 10.2 25 7.6 5s 200 16.9 14.0* 17.7 14.0* 50 14.0* 14* 


wii