The Technological/Sociopolitical Index was an overall assessment of a planet and its inhabitants, covering its scientific, engineering, social, economic and political achievements, developed by the Federation. It was divided into two parts: the Technological Index and the Sociopolitical Index. Each covered a number of areas, as worlds and races could develop in different areas at different rates, becoming advanced in one area while knowing little about another. The Technological/Sociopolitical Index is similar to the Richter Scale of Culture.