Previous workshops

Good survey design is critical for obtaining reliable results in distance sampling surveys and meeting survey objectives. This workshop expands on the basic theory provided in our introductory workshops to demonstrate how our latest software can be used to generate optimal survey designs while respecting budgetary and logistical constraints. We will demonstrate survey design using our R package dssd, and investigate design optimisation and the implications of deviations from our design assumptions using our latest simulation package dsims. We will also demonstrate the use of QGIS to obtain requisite input information.

The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is delivering an online workshop ‘introduction to distance sampling’ via live web conference. This workshop, in 10 meetings over two weeks, address the fundamentals of distance sampling.  We introduce the concept of a detection function, understand how to estimate probability of detection when detectability is imperfect.  The fundamental principles of this method also known as conventional distance sampling, forms the foundation upon which more advanced methods are based.

Camera traps are widely used for studying terrestrial animal populations. Several methods exist for analysis of camera trap data to estimate animal abundance. Use of distance sampling theory for analysis of camera trap data does not require identification of individual animals to estimate abundance, making it applicable to a much larger set of species. This workshop, through lectures and computer exercises, provides training in survey design and the analysis of camera trap data to produce abundance estimates.

The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is delivering an online workshop ‘introduction to distance sampling’ via live web conference. This workshop, in 10 meetings over two weeks, address the fundamentals of distance sampling.  We introduce the concept of a detection function, understand how to estimate probability of detection when detectability is imperfect.  The fundamental principles of this method also known as conventional distance sampling, forms the foundation upon which more advanced methods are based.

The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is delivering an online workshop ‘introduction to distance sampling’ via live web conference. This workshop, in 10 meetings over two weeks, address the fundamentals of distance sampling.  We introduce the concept of a detection function, understand how to estimate probability of detection when detectability is imperfect.  The fundamental principles of this method also known as conventional distance sampling, forms the foundation upon which more advanced methods are based.

This workshop expands on the basic theory provided in our introductory workshops to demonstrate how our latest software can be used to generate optimal survey designs while respecting budgetary and logistical constraints. The workshop is 3 days in length with 1 day gap for self study. Register by 14 October.

28 and 31 October.
In this two-day workshop, we cover survey protocols and analytical methods for dealing with both perception bias and availability bias. The workshop is intended for those already familiar with the basics of distance sampling. Register by 14 October.

Camera traps are widely used for studying terrestrial animal populations. Several methods exist for analysis of camera trap data to estimate animal abundance. This workshop, through lectures and computer exercises, provides training in survey design and the analysis of camera trap data to produce abundance estimates. Register by 30 September.

• Considering the use of distance sampling for population assessment?
• Wish to have individual attention learning to analyse distance sampling data sets?
• Curious about variants of distance sampling that may suit your specific goals?
• Interested in using R for your distance sampling analysis?

If so, consider taking the live online version of our distance sampling training.

Conventional distance sampling methods assume that all animals at zero distance are detected with certainty. However, in some situations this assumption is violated, and some animals are missed, causing a negative bias in the density and abundance estimates.

This occurs on some shipboard surveys of marine mammals, for example, where animals may be missed on the trackline because they are underwater while the survey vessel passes, or because the sea conditions are rough so that even some animals right on the line are missed. Bias due to the former (being underwater and so not available for detection) is often called availability bias and the latter perception bias.

In this two-day workshop, we cover survey protocols and analytical methods for dealing with both perception bias and availability bias. The workshop is intended for those already familiar with the basics of distance sampling.