The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting three linked workshops 15-25 August 2007 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry-standard software.
The first workshop (3.5 days 15-18 Aug.) will run at an introductory level, and will focus on "conventional" distance sampling methods, as described in the standard reference book Introduction to Distance Sampling. The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program Distance. Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys. The second workshop (3 days 20-22 Aug.) will cover recent advances in distance sampling research and software, as described in the book Advanced Distance Sampling. It is intended for those already familiar with conventional distance sampling methods (e.g., those who have attended an introductory workshop). Participants will learn the use of covariates for modelling the detection function, double-platform methods for when detection at the line or point is not certain, automated survey design and adaptive sampling. Participants will also learn the more advanced features of Distance. The third workshop (2.5 days 23-25 Aug.) will focus on methods of predicting abundance or density of biological data using the "count" method of Hedley and Buckland (2004, Chapter 4 of the Advanced Distance Sampling book). In these situations variation in animal density/abundance is modelled as functions of covariates such as land cover type, bathymetry, altitude or depth, or other characteristics collected during a distance sampling survey. General additive models (GAMs) or general linear models (GLMs) will be fitted to estimated densities along transects using a new analytical engine inside program Distance. This is an advanced workshop for those already familiar with distance sampling. For all three workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. Participants intending to model their own data in the third workshop will be required to have it formatted according to precise specifications prior to arrival at St. Andrews. Computer sessions take place in our modern computer classroom (attached to the seminar room); participants can use our computers or bring their own laptop computers. For further information, please consult our website http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/index2007.html -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 _______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
