The belt transect method is used when there is a gradual change from one side of a habitat to another, like the change in light between the outer edges of a forest to the centre.
Procedure
Extend a measuring tape from one side of the habitat to another.
Place a quadrat at 0m on the tape.
Count the numbers/estimate percentage cover of each species.
Use a key to identify each species.
Record results in a table.
Move the quadrat along the measuring tape.
Repeat step 3-5 at regular intervals along the measuring tape.
Continue until the full length of the measuring tape has been sampled.
Calculate the average of each species.
A bar chart can be drawn to show the data obtained.