Definition of an indicator
An indicator is a variable having for object to measure or to appreciate a state or an evolution. An indicator has to be a simple information (easily understandable) which maybe quantified in a clear, reproducible and fast way and has to synthetize complex phenomena with various scales (plots of land, farm, region, etc.).
« Indicators are variables
[] which supply information on the other more difficult variables
of access []. Indicators serve as marker to make a decision »
(FAT and Al ., 1989) |
« They supply information of
a complex system to facilitate its understanding [] to the users so
that they can make appropriate decisions which lead to the realization
of the objectives » (MITCHELL and Al ., 1995) |
An indicator corresponds to a synthetic vision of the system. He allows to simplify the information. It is a compromise between the scientific results and the demand of concise information.
Characteristics and criteria of selection of an indicator (Maurizi and Verrel, on 2002, according to THE IFEN)
The criteria of selection (intrinsic qualities and feasibility) are enumerated in the list below:
In summary, a good indicator must be sensitive
to the expected changes, be based on reliable and easily accessible data and
be included and accepted by its users.
