Estimating Forest Density

Researchers Debashis Dutta, Kate Akers and Keith Gregor are undertaking a comparison of four methods of estimating forest density: a distance sampling technique (Point Centred Quarter Method), two angle count sampling methods using an angle gauge, and an informal “rule of thumb” method called the Extended Forefinger Method. 

There are no simple formulae giving the standard errors of any estimates for any of the methods, so at present the relative accuracy for effort is largely anecdotal.

The researchers are estimating the forest density on a suitable forest area using all methods to estimate survey effort, and will then assess the relative accuracy of the methods using a spreadsheet simulation.