Framework and design of the geoindicator system for geoenvironment problems

In face of the complicated, variable and weak geoenvironment and continuously increasing human engineering and economic activities, it is urgently necessary to establish a geoindicator system oriented towards various geoenvironmental problems. Considering the geoenvironment work currently conducted in China and drawing on the latest research achievements and experience of IWGEOIN, the authors revised and extended the definition and contents of geoindicators, designed the framework of the geoindicator system which included the investigating indicator system (comprising cause indicators, state indicators and result indicators) and the monitoring indicator system (composed of pressure indicators, state indicators and response indicators). With practical examples, this paper puts forward the thinking and operation steps for the construction of the geoindicator system which is developed from facing a single geoenvironment problem to facing a whole country or a whole region. The results obtained by the authors will play a guiding role in the design, improvement and application of geoindicators.