3. INDICATOR STRUCTURE & INTERPRETATION
The Scottish biodiversity indicators contain the following key elements:
Title
- Introduction - summary of the subject of the indicator
- Table or chart - graphical presentation of data
- Evidence - source of the data
- Assessment - summary of trend and data confidence
- Commentary - explanation of the results
- Data updates - timing of data updates
- UK indicator - reference to comparable indicators at UK level
- References - background reading
The period over which data are available, and the update frequency vary between indicators.
Many of the indicators combine data from several components, for example groups of species or habitats. The assessment then is of the overall trend, and the commentary discusses the components in further detail. By definition indicators simplify complexity. For example, the seabird indicator (ref) shows an overall decline, although 7 of the 13 species increased (including an 85% increase in gannets). The overall decline in this indicator is the result of major declines in 3 species (Arctic tern, kittiwake and Arctic skua).
The summary assessment for each indicator gives a succinct statement of trend and our confidence in the quality of the underpinning data. The options for each are as follows:
