The application of Phyto‐sociological techniques to the geographical study of vegetation

Abstract ‐ Plant sociologists have been responsible for the development of more sophisticated techniques of describing and analysing vegetation. These techniques are reviewed and their applicability to biogeographical problems discussed. Two large‐scale studies, one in South Uist, the other in Galloway, provide examples of the application of some of these methods under contrasting vegetation conditions. The article concludes with a discussion of the problems posed by small‐scale vegetation mapping and the possible contribution of air photographs in this field.