So far we have discussed sampling of an areal feature (ie. region) in this virtual field exercise. However, we may want to sample along linear features or among features in their relation to nearby linear features. For example:

• Sampling a river network for algae growth
• Sampling salinity levels in relation to distance from a stream

Such sampling can be accomplished by:

1. sampling along the feature, or
2. sampling along transectsperpendicular to the linearfeature.

Note that the samples can use regular, random or variable (eg. each subsequent point is double the spacing) spacing.

The example to the left shows variable transect sampling of vegetation surrounding a small creek in Canning River Regional Park.

What next?

On the next page, you will generate various transect samples along linear features in the Canning River Regional Park. Think about the question below as you work through the interactive transect sampling example.