An improved technique for estimating mean depth of lakes

We describe a technique for determining mean lake depth utilizing a systematically aligned dot grid. This technique is, on average, 55% faster than the traditional planimeter methods, depending on the type of planimeter and the size and complexity of the lake. No detectable bias is associated with results from this technique compared with those of traditional planimeter methods. The relationship N_D = ⁴√A; where N_D = the number of dots falling within the shoreline of the lake and A = the surface area of the lake in ft², gives a quick estimation of the number of dots that should fall within the shoreline boundary of a lake for optimum sampling.