Random Sampling for Accuracy Assessments in Arc

1852
2
02-26-2016 07:57 AM
ashleytarver1
New Contributor II

Hi all

Hoping for some feedback here.  I have 14 separate vector layers of land cover categories, and I want to create random sampling points for each of them. 

Because I'm using a stratified random sampling scheme and the relative area for each land cover category differs, I want to specify how many random points to be created for each area relative to the total area.  When Arc generates these points, almost all of them are along the edges and borders, something I want to avoid because of misregistration errors.

Does anyone know how to specify the points be generated at least a minimum distance from the borders of a vector?

Thanks in advance, I've only used ENVI software in our student lab for accuracy assessments, and I'm wondering if it may be easier to purchase ENVI myself in order to do this.

0 Kudos
2 Replies
PatrickMarren
New Contributor II

I would suggest you first Buffer your land cover layer, using a negative offset but still using the OUTSIDE_ONLY option. Then you can use one of the tools above or the Create Random Points geoprocessing tool.