Methodology for optimizing quadrat size in sparse vegetation surveys: A desert case study from the Tarim Basin.

ABSTRACT: Random sampling is an important approach to field vegetation surveys. However, sampling surveys in desert areas are difficult because determining an appropriate quadrat size that represent the sparse and unevenly distributed vegetation is challenging. In this study, we present a methodology for quadrat size optimization based on low-altitude high-precision unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images. Using the Daliyaboyi Oasis as our study area, we simulated random sampling and analyzed the frequency distribution and variation in the fractional vegetation cover (FVC) index of the samples. Our results show that quadrats of 50 m × 50 m size are the most representative for sampling surveys in this location. The method exploits UAV technology to rapidly acquire vegetation information and overcomes th

SUBMITTER: Hao L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7449453 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature