Spatially balanced

Spatial balance refers to the idea that sample points be distributed in some regular or nearly regular pattern across the resource of interest. Simple random sampling, for example, can leave "holes" in the distribution of candidate sample points across the resource or lead to unnecessary clumping.. Systematic sampling can align with the spatial structure of natural features such that sites of a particular type are over-emphasized or under-emphasized. The ridge and valley region of Nevada is an example of a situation in which a systematic sample could align with a natural resource.