Forest assessment data and soil surveys, for example, may be used. Some of the measurements, such as identification of landslide hazard areas are somewhat more specific, but use the same measurement techniques. To calculate the composite indicator, rate the four components descriptions below for a mountain area, such as a watershed, and summarize the four scores for a combined index from 0 to 400. Within the DSR Framework, this is a State indicator of land use and condition. Often data are not readily available for mountain areas and may need to be collected.
Productivity is a complex measurement to standardize.
Surveys for productivity, if based on interviews, are subject to bias. The rationale for this index and its aggregation has its limitations and may not apply to all countries. Attempts to extrapolate data into mountain areas are not advisable. Hazard zones, such as landslide areas, require techniques specific to mountain areas. Land use, forest, and range assessment data, such as vegetation, erosion, sedimentation, overgrazed and burned areas, contaminated lands, water resources, and hazard areas, are required.