topic Re: Create Spatial Sampling Locations using 2 sampling methods: systematic & stratified by polygon in ArcGIS Pro Questions

Create Spatial Sampling Locations using 2 sampling methods: systematic & stratified by polygon

JoeWoodall — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:26:04 GMT

Hello, I am trying to generate a predetermined number of systematically located sample points across multiple polygons.

I have been able to create randomly sampled points using Create Spatial Sampling Locations tool stratified by polygon and setting Strata Sample Count Allocation Method to a population field.

However, I cannot see how to achieve systematic sampling within each polygon.

Any advice appreciated, thanks.

Re: Create Spatial Sampling Locations using 2 sampling methods: systematic & stratified by polygon

DanPatterson — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:50:46 GMT

What parameters are you using in the tool?

Create Spatial Sampling Locations (Data Management)—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation

Re: Create Spatial Sampling Locations using 2 sampling methods: systematic & stratified by polygon

JoeWoodall — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:07:08 GMT

Thanks for the response Dan. The below settings look to do what I need but with random rather than systematic sampling.

Input Study Area: woodland polygon layer

Output Features: default

Sample Method: Stratified by individual polygon

Strata Sample Count Allocation Method: Count equal to population field

Population Field: Plots (number of plots per polygon)

Minimum Distance Between Sample Plots: default 0

Re: Create Spatial Sampling Locations using 2 sampling methods: systematic & stratified by polygon

DanPatterson — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:25:35 GMT

Not sure, but looking at the parameters, I suspect some of the "optional" parameters are only available depending upon the sampling method chosen and not available for others

Re: Create Spatial Sampling Locations using 2 sampling methods: systematic & stratified by polygon

KenBuja — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:45:59 GMT

I created the Sampling Design Tool add-in for doing more complex sampling. Take a look at its documentation to see if it has the capability to do what you're wanting.