Determining Crop Area Proportion Based on the Specific Sampling Method Applied

The aim of this study was to provide a method for acquiring Crop Area Proportion (CAP). Several processes were employed to achieve this objective. A two-level general regional structure was first applied to establish the crop planting structural zone in which to provide a scientific basis to obtain CAP. Sampling units were then ascertained based on the two-level structural zones. Random samples were taken according to the standard procedure of the two-stage stratified sampling method, and “sampling trees” were built from them. GIS was used to calculate proportion by way of landscape imagery of the various crops within the sampling database. Statistical methods were then applied to convert these proportions into “sampling tree” planting proportions. High resolution remote sensing images taken at three to four sample sites were selected to test the accuracy of CAP. Results show that this method produces a high-level of performance when applied to large agricultural areas.