The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting two linked workshops in the summer of 2015 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 (11-14 August) will run at an introductory
level, and will focus on distance sampling methods, largely
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. Note that we have moved the 'automated survey
design' and 'incorporating covariates in detection function'
from the advanced workshop into the introductory workshop.
The
advanced distance sampling workshop (17-20 August) will
include advanced treatment of: analyses in which
detectability on the transect line is not assumed to be
perfect (the so-called g(0) problem) and spatial (or density
surface) modelling. We will showcase a series of new R
packages we have developed for performing standard as well as
sophisticated analyses in R. 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 all 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 laptops.
Additional details
regarding the workshop can be found at our website
-- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532