1. a set of objective sampling methods designed to quantify the spatial distribution, composition, and rates of change of forest parameters within specified levels of precision for the purposes of management 2. the listing (enumeration) of data from such a survey —synonym cruise, forest survey —note inventories may be made of all forest resources including trees and other vegetation, fish, insects, and wildlife, as well as street trees and urban forest trees —see dynamic sampling, point sampling This definition last updated 10/24/2008