Three types of permanent plots are considered in this project.
- Plots regularly sampled, marked on the field (posts, carved signs, ...) with a precise description (see bibliography Richard 1987).
- Relevés published in a book or article, with a precise description, coordinates, a sketch or photograph which allow it to be found again as precisely as possible (see bibliography Vittoz et al. 2009).
- Complete list of species on a summit, with the limit (altitude) of the sampled area. The limits of a new sampling will probably not be very precise, but the large area will compensate the lack of precision (see bibliography Vittoz et al. 2008; Vittoz et al. 2009).