The three sampling strategies used in the virtual forest tutorial were systematic along a topographical gradient, random sampling using generated coordinates and haphazard subjective sampling.
Random sampling using generated coordinates was estimated to have the fastest sampling time at 4 hours 27 minutes, next was haphazard subjective sampling taking three additional minutes. Sampling along a topographical gradient took about 4 times longer at 12 hours 37 minutes.
The two most common trees were the Eastern Hemlock and the Red Maple. The Least common were the Striped Maple and lastly the White Pine.
Percentage error for sampling in the order of Eastern Hemlock, Red Maple, Striped Maple and then White Pine was 11.5%, 4.3%, 100% and 90% along a topographical gradient. When sampled by using random coordinates in respect to the same order of trees previously listed it was 25.4%, 55.8%, 49.7% and 100%. The percentage error for sampling using a random, subjective method was 8.7%, 6.6%, 66.9% and 100% using the same order of trees.
The more common trees had a more accurate estimate overall across all sampling methods. The least common trees had three percentage errors of 100%, where none of the trees were observed using the sample method.
Random, subjective had the lowest average percentage error at 46%, next was along a gradient at 51.45% and lastly was random with coordinates at 58%. This means that random, subjective sampling may be a better option for sampling, but not drastically, the method used should still be determined on a case by case basis.