Simple Latin Square Sampling ±k Designs

Abstract

If spatial correlation is present, sampling designs which ensure the sample is well-distributed over the study region will, in general, improve estimation of population abundance relative to designs that do not. Simple latin square sampling ±k designs, a new class of probability sampling designs that were developed for this situation, will be presented. When the goal is estimation of the population total or mean, these designs when compared to simple random, stratified, and systematic sampling will, in general, provide estimators with smaller variance when spatial correlation is present.

Keywords:

• Horvitz–Thompson estimators
• Latin square sampling
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Systematic sampling