Introductory distance sampling training materials

Distance sampling training materials

These materials have been prepared by staff at the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) at the Univ of St Andrews. Members of CREEM have been developing analytical methods for distance sampling data over the past 30 years. In addition to developing methods, CREEM has also been creating software to implement those analytical methods. A comprehensive set of training materials have been developed to bring together best practices in designing, conducting and analysing distance sampling surveys. The aim of materials at this website is to help you produce the most defensible inference from your distance sampling surveys.

Philosophy

The training philosophy involves lecture materials paired with computer exercises to cement concepts described in the lectures. The practical exercises are fundamental to proper analysis of distance sampling data. The purpose of preparing the exercises is to offer you the opportunity to experiment with the software and analytical methods. It is better to experiment (and make mistakes) with data we provide to you, than to make mistakes in the analysis and inference of your own data.

Each of the lectures has both slides (for you to download) and narrated video. Likewise each computer exercise has a video introduction, describing the concepts being addresses and well as a video summary, emphasising both key steps when using the software as well as important “take home messages” arising in each practical.

Distance sampling software has undergone an evolution over the >25 years since development began at CREEM. In these training materials, we provide exercises based around both of our software platforms:

  • Distance for Windows (a standalone) Windows-based programme with a graphical user interface
    • Practicals based upon Distance for Windows in these materials were created using Distance for Windows 8.0. Older versions of Distance for Windows will not open these projects, hence you will need to download and install Distance for Windows 8.0 prior to working with these practicals
    • The installation package for this software can be downloaded
  • an R package Distance.
    • The R language and environment can be downloaded from CRAN as well as the Distance package itself.
    • Practicals based around the R package assume you have fundamental knowledge of the R language.

Other distance sampling resources

  • A “one stop” resources for distance sampling materials developed by CREEM can be found at https://distancesampling.org
  • If you wish to receive training in distance sampling with a “live” instructor, CREEM offers workshops carried out online. Offerings of these training opportunities can be found on our training web page
  • Examples of distance sampling analyses conducted using the Distance R package can be found on our case studies pages.