REDUCING SAMPLE-SIZE THROUGH THE USE OF A COMPOSITE ESTIMATOR - AN APPLICATION TO TIMBER VOLUME ESTIMATION

A method for determining the appropriate sample size of produce an estimate with a stated allowable percent error when the sample data is to be combined with prior information is presented. Application of the method in the case where the objective is to estimate volume per acre and prior knowledge is represented by a yield equation demonstrates that this method can reduce the amount of sample information that would be required if the yield equation were to be ignored.