Using GIS and remote sensing to build master sampling frames for agricultural statistics

This report is a JRC contribution to the FAO Global Strategy to improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS). Its aim is providing guidelines on the suitable ways to use satellite images and geographic information tools to build master sampling frames that can be used both for agricultural and environmental statistics. The main readers to which the report is addressed are agricultural and environmental statisticians in developing countries. We consider separately the use of technological tools for area sampling frames and for list sampling frames. The use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), better known as GPS, is also discussed, although its use is more connected to carrying out field surveys rather than to the design of sampling frames.