The ecosystem stations in ICOS have a number of sampling points and plots that are used to perform repeated measurements in time and to characterize the soil and vegetation of the monitored ecosystem. This document describes the selection and identification of the different sampling locations that are then used and recalled in the ICOS-Ecosystem Protocols and Instructions (e.g. soil sampling, ecosystem characterization, repeated ancillary vegetation measurements). It is structured in different sections with the aim to facilitate the use and application: - Sampling strategy: the general strategy used for the sampling with the definition of the main characteristics is shortly described. It is a set of basic information needed to correctly implement the sampling scheme at the ICOS station. - Implementation: in this section the sensors, the methods used to select the sampling scheme, the information and step needed, the PI and ETC activities and the final expected result are presented in order to practically complete the identification of sampling plots. - Maintenance: in this section the possible maintenance activities are reported. - Submission: it is the section related to the data preparation and submission to the ETC. It includes the list of parameters and the way to submit them to the database. It is linked to the BADM system. - Processing: this section is for internal use of the ETC and describes the processing applied to the single variable/info submitted. It is important to remind that the exact application of the protocol at site level must be also discussed with ETC in order to reach agreed solutions for specific cases. If a specific part is relevant only for a specific ecosystem or site Class this is also reported in the document.