These initial studies [2] and subsequently developed statistical support for purposive, gradient-based survey[3] provided a formalized, practical alternative to more logistically demanding traditional designs.
It was here the term gradsect was coined that coupled purposive, transect sampling with a hierarchical framework of environmental gradients considered to be key determinants of species distribution.
At relatively local landscape scale, a primary gradients may be represented by salinity levels or water depth as in tidal wetlands or micro-topographic relief as in forest margins or a riparian zone.
[4] Initial studies in gradsect development revealed considerable logistic and other advantages over more traditional non-gradient-based survey designs concerned primarily with random sampling.
Since the publication of gradsect theory in 1984, subsequent vegetational and landscape studies in regional Australia (Austin and Heyligers 1989);[5] Ludwig and Tongway (1995[6]) were followed by a successful evaluation of the method in faunal surveys in South Africa (Wessels et al.[7]).