The
Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental
Modelling (CREEM) is hosting two linked workshops in the summer
of 2016 in
our purpose-built facilities at the University of St. Andrews,
Scotland. Participation
in these workshops will 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 (16-19 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 (22-25 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 R
packages for
performing standard as well as sophisticated analyses in R. The
aim of this
workshop is to perform non-standard and sophisticated distance
sampling analyses.
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
http://creem2.st-andrews.ac.uk/distance-sampling-workshops-st-andrews-august-2016-2/
-- 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