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3.1.3 Quantitative data Module

Quantitative data provide “raw material” for indicator and index development . They are the primary,
1
raw output of monitoring and observation systems, surveys and other forms of data collection, and 4
normally require analysis to be meaningful to the wider audience.

Characteristics of quantitative data may include:
? generally have geographic locations (coordinates);

? are often large in volume (databases, reports, etc.); Abu Dhabi, UAE
? come from a variety of often heterogeneous sources;
? have variability of resolution (details) and scales that sometimes hamper their compilation and integration;

? have a high degree of complexity;
? are needed at varying temporal frequency (e.g., hourly, daily, monthly, yearly), depending on the
phenomena or subject under consideration;

? are available in varying forms and formats; and
? more and more available in digital or electronic versions.

Generically, data are categorized as bibliographical materials (including descriptive texts and reports),
statistical tables, maps and remotely sensed data (World Bank, 1992) but they can come in many forms
such as:

? maps;
? remotely sensed data such as satellite imagery, aerial photographs, or other forms of visual data;

? computer data files;
? hard copies of reports and documents;
? bibliographies;

? videos and films;
? graphs and charts;

? tables;
? computer animated images; and
? drawings.

1. In general, for data is understood a representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalized manner suitable for communication,
interpretation and processing by human or automated means (Rosenberg, 1987).

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