UNDESERT List of Indicators of Desertification and Degradation

The UNDESERT List of Indicators of Desertification and Degradation provides a set of indicators to assess desertification and degradation processes. The list contains spatial and plot-based indicators. The eight spatial indicators were compiled from remote sensing data (medium resolution satellite images), thematic maps, digital elevation and climate models. The 27 plot-based indicators represent a refinement of the spatial indicators at site level. Both indicator types are to be used parallel to assess all aspects of desertification and degradation processes. The eight relevant spatial indicators for desertification/degradation were grouped in four thematic classes: Land cover/use change, vegetation indices, human pressure and fire. The 29 relevant plot-based indicators for desertification/degradation were grouped in four thematic classes: Vegetation, human pressure, soil and topography. Furthermore the interested user gets an insight of the data needed, the methodology applied and the indicators related. Finally there is a list of bibliographic reference.