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Module
4 Step 10

Click the “redefine years” option to the right of the table, set the year to 1980, choose “Draw
Map,” choose “Table” again, select “Histogram,” and print a new histogram for the 1980 data.

9-12 December, 2013 Step 11

Finally, repeat step 10 to make a histogram for the most recent year available. You should now
have three histograms showing change in “Trade – Percent in GDP” over time.

Question 9: Compare your three histograms. How is the proportion of GDP in trade
?
changing? Does this support the concept of globalization? Explain why you think the

Question 10: Do the histograms assist with your visual picture of GDP in trade? Why or
? histograms do, or do not, reflect globalization trends.
why not?

Guide to GEO Data Portal – CD-ROM and e-learning.
Run the e-Learning for Sustainable Development CD-ROM, using the GEO Data Portal. For
the video demonstration and exercises, see also http://www.grid.unep.ch/wsis/ <CD-ROM
to be provided with Training Manual>

4 Indicators and Indices

You have become familiar with considerations and processes involved in collecting and developing
data for use as indicators and indices. The next step in the process is to package the data into a form
that can be more easily interpreted from a policy relevance perspective. The following section will
provide you with an overview of conceptual and methodological considerations associated with
developing and using indicators and indices.

The section reviews the process of selecting indicators, including criteria for good indicators,
participatory processes and indicator frameworks. Examples of core sets of indicators from UNEP and
UN CSD are also provided. The section also includes a review of indices, including a range of examples
of indices, from the well-known GDP and Human Development Index <http://hdr.undp.org/reports/
view_reports.cfm?type=1> to the more recently released Environmental Performance Index (2006)
<http://www.yale.edu/epi/>

46 Monitoring, Data and Indicators