The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting two linked workshops in the summer of 2009 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 (18-21 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 (24-28 August) 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. New for 2009, we are adding two days to the workshop to discuss density surface modelling; a model-based inference procedure that provides estimates of abundance using predictor variables that may influence where animals a located within the study region. Density surface modelling will be performed using a new version of Distance (Distance 6). 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/workshop_overview2009.html -- 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