The point-quarter technique is perhaps the most popular of the plotless sampling techniques. Each sample is taken at a random location in the area to be sampled. This is frequently done by choosing random points along a transect but any randomization technique may be used. The area near each random point (sample point) is divided into four imaginary quadrants as indicated below. Within each quadrant, the distance from the random point to center of the nearest individual is measured. There are four quadrants, so you will measure a total of four trees at each sample point. In the diagram below, point A represents a random point (sample point) and the letters b through h represent trees. The distance from A to the center of b, d, e, and h would be measured. For each individual (b, d, e, and h), the species name and its basal area or area of coverage are also recorded. Basal area is the area of a cross section of the stem.