A livelihood zone map delineates geographic areas within which people broadly share the same livelihood patterns, including access to food, income, and markets. It facilitates monitoring and targeting of assistance geographically.

A livelihood profile is a description of household livelihood options--including food and income sources and market access--of different wealth groups in the livelihood zone and the hazards to which they are vulnerable. It facilitates design of seasonally specific monitoring systems, helps determine trends in monitoring information by season and household type, and provides context to understand the implications of a shock.

A livelihood baseline is a more detailed, quantified breakdown of household livelihood options (food, income, and expenditure patterns) for different wealth groups in the livelihood zone, highlighting market links and constraints on and opportunities for economic growth. It is linked to analytical spreadhseets that are used to assess whether people will be able to meet basic survival requirements and/or protect their livelihoods in the short-, medium- and long-term.