The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling
(CREEM) is hosting two linked workshops in the summer of 2010 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 (24-27 August) 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 advanced distance sampling workshop (30 August - 1 September) will
include advanced treatment of: incorporating covariates in detection
function modelling, analyses in which detectability on the transect line
is not assumed to be perfect (the so-called g(0) problem), automated
survey design, advanced stratified survey analysis, advanced trend
analysis, and adaptive survey designs. The aim of this workshop is to
bring participants up to date with the latest developments in distance
sampling methods and software. It is also an opportunity for those
actively engaged in the design, analysis and execution of distance
sampling surveys to discuss common issues and problems, and set future
research directions. The workshop will be a combination of lectures and
computer sessions, with considerable time for discussion.
For both workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data
sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data.
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.
Additional details regarding the workshop can be found at our website
http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/distance2010/workshop_overview.html
