Previous workshops
Analysis of data from high-resolution animal-borne tags workshop
This 3-day workshop introduces participants to a new open-source tool kit for processing data from tags with movement sensors (such as pressure, accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope).
(more…)Intermediate-level Distance Sampling Training Workshop 2017
The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting an intermediate-level workshop in the summer of 2017 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry-standard software.
(more…)Detecting change – MRSeaPower: A power analysis tool
The Scottish Government have funded a project to develop methods and software to allow users to undertake spatially-explicit power analyses. During this two-day workshop the outcomes of the project will be described and the software illustrated with case studies. It is anticipated that this workshop will be of value to the renewable energy industry, Scottish Government and statutory advisors.
(more…)Spatial Capture-Recapture Workshop
This three-day workshop will introduce participants to spatial capture-recapture[1] (SCR) methods and software, ranging from the basic to the most recently developed. Participants will be given a solid grounding in the models on which both maximum likelihood and Bayesian SCR methods are based, and get practice using the methods. The focus will be on maximum likelihood inference, but we will also deal with Bayesian inference for situations in which maximum likelihood is difficult or infeasible.
(more…)Workshop 2: Advanced Techniques and Recent Developments in Distance Sampling 2016
Introduction
The advanced distance sampling workshop 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) and density surface modelling (also known as spatial modelling). In addition to discussing the construction of density surface models, we will also describe a suite of R tools for accessing geo-referenced covariates from GIS formats for use in spatial modelling. We also devote a day to distance sampling analysis using a number of R packages we have developed including:
- basic line transect analysis
- simulation of different sampling designs and violation of modelling assumptions to examine relative performance of distance sampling estimators under varying conditions
- advanced topics dealing with intermittent animal availability
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.
The workshop will begin Monday 22nd, with registration at CREEM from 08:30 and will finish 1700 on Thursday, 25th August.
Special note: From 0900-1030 on Monday 22nd August, the workshop will present a brief introduction/refresher on the use of R; specifically in the context of performing analysis of distance sampling data in R. Exercise for the remainder of the workshop will be presented both in R and Distance software with a graphical interface. Participants are free to perform the exercises with either type of software. The Monday morning presentation is intended to make the use of R easier for participants. If you are either a) already conversant in R or b) have no intention of using R for your distance sampling analyses career; feel free to join us at ~1100 when we have completed our R refresher. We also intend to make available some learning materials relevant to using R several weeks prior to the workshop; watch this webpage for details in July.
Intended participants
The workshop is intended for scientists who already have experience with distance sampling methods. We anticipate a mix of biologists and applied statisticians. To gain maximum benefit from the workshop, biologists and ecologists should have some quantitative training, including basic statistical methods, survey design and “conventional” distance sampling theory.
We will assume that participants are familiar with Microsoft Windows software. Participants are welcome bring their own portable computers (see Information for registrants for minimum requirements). Familiarity with the software Distance would be an advantage, but is not essential (see special note above regarding R software).
We stress this course is not intended for those starting out with distance sampling; in this case we recommend attending the four day introductory workshop held the prior week. There is little overlap in content between workshops and we anticipate many participants will wish to take both. If you are in any doubt which of the workshops is more suitable for you, we urge you to contact the workshop instructors to discuss your requirements.
The following publication and software will be provided to participants at no additional cost.
* Distance Sampling: Methods and Applications. S.T. Buckland, E.A. Rexstad, T.A. Marques and C.S. Oedekoven. Springer, 2015. This recently published book focuses upon the topics most relevant to practictioners.
* Lecture notes containing all of the overheads and slides shown during the workshop. This material supplements and extends the distance sampling text book.
* Distance software
Workshop 1: Introduction to Distance Sampling 2016
Introduction
The general objective of this 4 day workshop is to give wildlife managers, ecologists and statisticians a solid grounding in the basic methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys. Learning will involve a combination of lectures, computer sessions and discussion groups.
(more…)Workshop 2: Flexible Models for Correlated Count or Multi-Category data (4 days)
The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) will be running a statistical modelling workshop to introduce more advanced modelling methods.
(more…)Workshop 1: Introduction to Statistical Modelling (4 days)
The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) will be running an introductory Statistical Modelling workshop to introduce basic modelling methods.
(more…)Challenges and Perspectives in Modelling the Spatial Dynamics of Conflict and Terrorism
This interdisciplinary event will bring together internationally renowned statisticians and researchers in the field of conflict and terrorism studies willing to share their expertise in a desire to better understand conflict and terrorism in both space and time.