Abstract

In this article, the problem of determining standard errors of area estimates obtained by traversing is addressed. In traversing, a surveyor moves along the boundary of a compartment and makes measurements at certain base points to determine their coordinates. Two cases of traversing are described: the case when coordinates are determined directly using GPS equipment and the case when distances and directions are measured from every base point to the next. It is shown that the problem of determining standard errors of the area estimates is different for the two cases. Formulas are derived from basic assumptions about the measurement errors. The efficiency of the two approaches is compared, It is found that the standard errors for the two methods often are of a similar magnitude but that the size and the shape of a compartment affect what method should be preferred.

Keywords

compartment polygon; adjustment for closure error; variance formulas for area estimate

Published in

Forest Science
1998, Volume: 44, number: 3, pages: 405-413
Publisher: SOC AMER FORESTERS

SLU Authors

• Ståhl, Göran

  • Department of Forest Resource Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Holm, Sören

  • Department of Forest Resource Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Forest Science


Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/41911