These apps, also used as LDN Decision Support Systems (LDN DSS) by different countries, include the results of participatory processes for mapping Land degradation and estimating SDG 15.3.1, including the 3 LDN sub indicators and final degradation map. They also include additional indicators and maps selected by each country experts, including national, regional and global maps of land degradation, soil properties, protected areas, key biodiversity areas, precipitation trends, fire intensities, sustainable land management practices, etc. The LDN DSS allows decision makers to easily compare results and obtain statistics across spatial scales and landscapes, including a multi-criteria module to identify areas with specific characteristics to prioritise different types of interventions to achieve the country's LDN targets. The principle of convergence of evidence can be applied to identify hotspots of degradation as well as areas of false positives/negatives.
These apps allow users to compare alternative land cover datasets and re-categorizations as well as alternative land cover transition matrixes. With just a few clicks the transitions for different periods can be explored, as well as the final degradation due to land cover change maps (SO1-1). Statistics at different spatial scales, and for different periods, as well as resulting maps are easily obtained. For example, Bhutan experts used the app to compare alternative re-classifications of ESA CCI Land cover National, and alternative global land cover maps. Colombia compared alternative reclassifications of their national land cover maps.
These apps allow users to interactively compare and validate alternative LPD maps (SO1-2). Statistics at different spatial scales are shown in the app, and experts can use their own knowledge to validate the different LPD maps (for example FAO-WOCAT LPD, JRC, Trends.Earth, etc) by looking at known areas that are hotspots of brightspots. Stakeholders from different sectors can discuss in groups and vote for the most representative LPD map. For example, Panama experts compared 5 different LPD maps using the LPD Comparison Tool and chose an LPD map obtained with Trends.Earth, whereas experts from Bhutan chose WOCAT-FAO LPD map for PRAIS4 report.
