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Internet and the use of data for
International Affairs | | |
 Definition of indicator
An indicator can be defined as something that helps us to understand where we are, where we are going
and how far we are from
the goal. Therefore it can be a sign, a number, a graphic and so on. It must be a clue, a symptom, a
pointer to something that is
changing. Indicators are presentations of measurements. They are bits of information that summarize
the characteristics of
systems or highlight what is happening in a system.
A more rigorous definition is given by the International Institute
for Sustainable Development
(IISD):
"
An indicator quantifies and
simplifies phenomena and helps us understand complex realities. Indicators are aggregates of raw
and processed data but they
can be further aggregated to form complex indices."
Example of traditional indicators or indices used in measuring the social, economic and environmental
welfare are: the Gross
National Product, the unemployment rates, the price index, the life expectancy (ESEMPIO DI INDICATORE
AMBIENTALE)
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