Introduction

A sampling strategy combines procedures for selecting a sample from some larger population with procedures for estimating one or more attributes of that entire population from measurements taken on the sample. As its title implies, the focus of this book is on sampling strategies applicable to environmental and natural populations, including continuums. It is this pointedly biological, ecological, and environmental orientation that distinguishes this book from other sampling texts. Without exception, however, the principles of sampling and estimation described here apply equally well to any disciplinary application.