Using adaptive line-transect sampling in airborne geophysics studies

ABSTRACT

We introduce a design that combines elements from distance and adaptive cluster sampling designs. We propose a line-transect sampling method, where the sample-strips are selected by unequal selection probabilities, detectability of clusters is assumed imperfect and detectability of sample units belonging to each detected cluster is assumed perfect. Here, the application of distance sampling is broaden to airborne geophysics studies. We introduce efficient estimators for this new sample design. Also, we conduct two simulation studies. One of the populations is Sar Cheshmeh Copper mine with data from an airborne geophysics study and the other is an artificial population.

KEYWORDS:

• Airborne geophysics
• Clustered population
• Imperfect detectability
• Rare population
• Resample

MATHEMATICS SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION:

• Primary 62D05
• Secondary 86A32