Census

The complete enumeration of a population or groups at a point in time with respect to well-defined characteristics (ISI). It is possible to conduct stream network censuses in some instances. For example, surveying the entire stream network in small watersheds might be feasible, or some techniques that combine a census of some indicators with calibration (e.g., Hankin and Reeves and related techniques) can be applicable at local spatial scales. Or for some indicators, it might be feasible to enumerate the entire population at key sites in a stream network (e.g., fish counting facilities at watershed outlets). A census is a survey conducted on the full set of observation objects belonging to a given population or universe. OECD Source: Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UNECE), "Terminology on Statistical Metadata", Conference of European Statisticians Statistical Standards and Studies, No. 53, Geneva 2000.