Sampling And Estimation Documentation For The Enhanced Forest Inventory And Analysis Program 2022 PDF Download

The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the Forest Service, an Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides what is arguably the most valuable forest resource dataset in the United States. These data are the basis for numerous inquiries across a wide range of forest-related attributes at various spatial and temporal scales. While user-friendly analytical tools are publicly available to facilitate the use of the data without expert knowledge, there is a need for detailed documentation of the underlying sampling and estimation procedures. The audience for this information entails the entire spectrum of both internal and external FIA data consumers. This document clarifies some aspects of existing documentation, provides the sampling and estimation methods used for key program areas including Urban FIA, National Woodland Owner Survey, Timber Products Output, and Carbon, and provides an examination of burgeoning estimation topics relevant to the FIA program and its users. A broad overview is provided on several advanced estimation approaches of particular interest to the FIA community. While the exposition for each topic is necessarily coarse, links to more detailed research and informational material are provided for readers desiring to further study a specific area of interest.