One of the essential steps in the preparation of the inventories was the need
for some degree of standardisation to enable comparisons and contrasts to
be made across regions. While not prescriptive, such standardisation is often
difficult to achieve given the diversity of aquifer types, the multiple uses of
that water, the differing needs of society and the requirements for maintaining
aquatic habitats. Consequently the inventorisation process was
based on the following suggested structures, recognising that information
required be collated over several iterations, as has been illustrated through the experience gained in the ISARM-Americas.