Line Sampling to Determine Cover
Another common approach to determine cover involves extending a line (usually a tape) across the site and recording the proportion intercepting plant material. In theory, line methods are a specialized form of point sampling to determine cover, where an infinitely large number of points are systematically arranged in a consecutive sequence. Such an order allows points to be located in a more practical manner, and posts can be easily placed at either end to permanently locate the line-transect. In general, greater precision is attained by sampling shorter lines at more locations, provided that each is a length that includes the scale of the spatial pattern within the vegetation.
- More details on the Line Intercept Method
References and Further Reading
Bonham, C.D. 1989. Measurements for terrestrial vegetation. John Wiley Sons, New York, NY. pp 21-24, 117-123.
Hasel, A.A. 1941. Estimation of vegetation-type areas by linear measurements. Journal of Forestry 39:34-40.