Sampling Design Tool

Developed by the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, the latest version of the Sampling Design Tool, version 1.0.26, is an exceptional asset in the Education category, specifically under Science Tools. This program has been designed to cater to those in need of efficient sampling procedures within a GIS environment.

A key feature of the Sampling Design Tool is its capacity to handle diverse populations, whether the focus is on people, animals, objects, or processes. The development of this tool was driven by scientists who required effective sampling strategies in marine environments often defined by limited data. Built on iterative processes where existing data informs new sampling designs, this tool aims to create optimal sampling designs.

Users seeking high-precision estimates of population metrics at minimal cost will find the Sampling Design Tool invaluable. NOAA’s Biogeography Branch, although focused on marine habitats, has ensured that the tool’s utility spans various fields, such as coral reefs or corn fields. Thus, the tool is not limited to marine use but can sample any defined population in space.

The program is compatible with Windows 7 and has another version, 1.0. It is straightforward to download and is available for free, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Pros:

• Efficient sampling in GIS environments.
• High precision and low-cost sampling designs.
• Broad applicability across different populations and environments.
• Free to download and use.

Cons:

• Limited to Windows 7, restricting use on other operating systems.

For anyone in science, particularly those involved in spatial data, the Sampling Design Tool by the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment is a must-have toolset.

You may want to check out more software, such as CCTV Design Tool, IP Video System Design Tool or National Clock Design Tool, which might be related to Sampling Design Tool.