Estimation of environmental gradients by proportions of species using
transfer functions is a viable and proven method. Two new methods enab
ling exact point estimation of the gradients are developed. The ''mini
mum distance function'', like simple transfer equations, results in a
single value, whereas the ''transformed proportions method'' based on
legit-transformed density functions allows additional diagnosis of the
coenoclines under investigation. Depth estimations in sublittoral cor
al reefs using larger foraminifers demonstrate the high precision of b
oth methods.