ABSTRACT
When sampling, it is important to first keep general sampling basics in mind. The most important of these is that the environment changes over distance and time. The second is that information about a field may be obtained either without (noninvasive) or with (invasive) sampling; in either situation, it is essential to know beforehand from where the samples are to be taken. This information is essential because it is used when relating the sample to the whole environment. It is also critical if we wish or need to sample this same field again at a later date or to remediate it. All data must be readily available, and thus it is essential to have a place to put field data, such as a map of the area, a project notebook, a computer, or all three.
