Bestandserhebungen

Bestandserhebung is the systematic collection and documentation of the current stock of something within a defined area or population at a specific point in time. The primary objective is to provide an accurate snapshot of quantity and, often, basic characteristics such as type, location, or other attributes. This information supports planning, policy making, and resource management.

The concept is applied in multiple sectors. In population statistics, a Bestandserhebung may take the form of a census or the extraction of data from population registers to determine the size and composition of the population. In forestry, a forest inventory measures standing trees, including species, diameter, height, age class, and volume. In industry, it covers the counting of fixed assets or stock for financial reporting and logistics. In wildlife and fisheries management, stock assessments estimate the abundance and structure of animal populations.

Methodologically, Bestandserhebungen can be complete enumerations or based on samples. They combine survey data with administrative records, registries, and increasingly, remote sensing or sensor data. Data collection can be periodic or continuous, depending on goals and resources. Quality assurance, harmonization of definitions, and weighting are common practices to improve comparability over time and across regions.

Challenges include cost, respondent burden, data privacy, and timely publication. In many countries, national statistical offices coordinate standardized procedures, provide metadata, and publish official indicators derived from Bestandserhebungen. See also census, inventory, and statistical survey.