Spatial Sampling

Researchers who want to determine the distribution of certain properties over geographic space are usually faced with sampling limitations. For example, a mining company that wants to know the percent content of ore in a mine can't test every inch of the mine's area to determine its contents. The company might instead use spatial sampling to test representative samples across the entirety of the mine to estimate the total value of the mine.

Spatial sampling is a process

• Spatial sampling is a process by which a number of samples are taken to determine the contents of a larger geographic area. Each sample point contains information on the variable of interest at that spatial location. The overall distribution and frequency of the variables of interest are then calculated for the entire area based on the frequency and distribution of the elements throughout the spatially sampled region.
  

statisticians can use

• Spatial sampling is critical for determining the contents of large areas. Studying the total contents of a large land mass is usually prohibitively expensive. Spatial sampling allows the contents instead to be inferred by studying less than one percent of the geographic area. Once data is collected, statisticians can use methods such as linear regression to extrapolate the overall composition of the geographic area from the information contained in the individual samples.
  

Potential Biases

• If the contents of a study space vary at different points in the space, the area is called heterogeneous. Highly heterogeneous spaces can be difficult to study using spatial sampling; if a spatial sample misses a portion of an area that is different from the rest of the area, then conclusions drawn about the whole from the sampling procedure will not be accurate. It is important to avoid sampling biases based on convenience, such as portions of an area being easier or cheaper to access.
  

Applications

• Researchers can apply spatial sampling techniques to study a wide range of issues. For instance, prairie researchers use spatial sampling to determine the flora and fauna contents of entire prairies by sampling certain representative locations. These methods can also used for studying the presence of invasive or endangered species in national parks and other wildlife areas. Corporate and sociological uses for spatial sampling include determining the political views or product preference across different marketing areas.
  

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Fashion Trend Forecaster

Who knew that bell bottom jeans or long shirts finished with a belt would come back in style from the 1980s? A fashion trendsetter understands the unusual changes that occur from day to day or season to season in the fashion industry. Forecasting what changes loom in the future for what's in and what's out operates as a full-time career.

Environment

• Fashion forecasting positions work with designers or fashion trend analysis firms. A trend analysis firm creates influences in research, color, styles, graphics and hot items that flood shelves. Early in a trend forecaster career, work consists of long hours and travel. Forecasters travel worldwide using cameras and interviews to capture ideas, people and objects. Jobs within the office require seasoned forecasters that provide direction to employees in the field. It is common to see a fashion trend forecaster attending fashion shows, public events and meeting with suppliers.
  

Outlook

• As of 2008, only 1,000 to 1,500 fashion trend forecasters exist, according to Eilene Zimmerman, author of "Roaming the World, Detecting Fashion." The forecasting business moves quickly, and competition fights fiercely for the first trend. Salaries can reach up to $300,000 if a fashion trend forecaster stays within a major firm for more than seven years, according to Jeanne Sahadi, author of "Fashion's Future is a 6-Figure job." Fashion industry jobs exist in larger urban areas including New York City, Los Angeles, London or Paris.
  

Duties

• Fashion trend forecasters hypothesize what future trends will emerge in the next season's styles. The job requires extensive research on a regular basis by using observations of the public, the Internet and meeting with designers. The fashion forecaster builds close relationships with magazines, newspapers, fashion designers, celebrities and merchants. Research conducted by the forecaster aids fashion designers in offering new and exciting products before other organizations. A forecaster keeps a close eye on competition to stay ahead of the race. Market watching and consumer behaviors play an important role in fashion emergence.
  

Skills and Education

• Several schools across the U.S., such as Drexel, Baylor or Parsons School of Design, offer programs in fashion forecasting. The field of fashion forecasting contains little room for new positions, so internships coupled with bachelor's degrees heighten a candidate's chances for success. A fashion trend forecaster requires an in-depth understanding of design and fashion. Strong skills in communication, research and multitasking appear on top forecaster's resumes. The position demands a fluent understanding of business processes and requires the use of multiple forms of technology.

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