Methodological guide for the study and monitoring of flora and vegetation, TC no. 1

The guide provides a methodological approach to the collection, processing, and analysis of data relative to flora and vegetation, and takes its place alongside other Guides covering other components of biophysical systems. The essential aim is to set out the joint approaches to the zoning, sampling, and measurement of parameters that have been chosen within the ROSELT/OSS framework.It also addresses the principle methods used to analyze results, covering various activities from the development and measurement of new indicators to the calculation and interpretation of indexes. Its first substantive thematic chapter deal with the zoning and sampling of space; the next three chapters cover evaluation and monitoring: of vegetation, surface states, and resources; of biodiversity at diverse spatial levels; and of the ecological diversity of landscapes. Recognising the important dilemma faced in selectivity concerning the data to be collected, and the need to satisfy objectives whilst pursuing what is realistically possible, the guide deals with the questions of balancing overall goals with the scope of the task and available resources (time, financing, skills).