Distance sampling is widely used for estimating the abundance of wild animal populations. St Andrews provides software implementing our methodologies for designing and analysing distance sampling surveys. This software has been downloaded by over 35,000 users in over 110 countries. The two most widely used forms of distance sampling are line and point transect sampling. In line transect sampling, an observer travels along a line, and records distances from the line of detected animals. A model for the probability of detection as a function of distance from the line is fitted, from which abundance is estimated. In point transect sampling, an observer visits points, and records distances of detected animals from each point. In the mural, the equation Pa = ... describes the average detection probability in the surveyed area for line transects.
Research by Prof. Steve Buckland
Research by Dr. Cornelia Oedekoven