Public indicators provide a summarized view of available information, but they do not replace contextual analysis. A map or counter should always be read together with its update date, geographic scope and the validation level of the underlying data.
A figure may change for several reasons: a new submission, consolidation of a duplicate, correction of a location or publication of a revised version. These changes are not contradictions; they are part of the normal data improvement cycle.
When citing an indicator, use the most precise wording possible: CLIMAP as the source, consultation date, covered area and publication status. This discipline makes exchanges clearer between operational teams, analysts and decision-makers.
