Mapping Variables

You can view your licensed data variables on a map using the mapping functionality. This tool allows you to view the general distribution of a variable while also allowing you to add various layers to your map.

Use WalkMe Through to be taken through a step-by-step process in ENVISION itself. Click on the WalkMe Through button below to get started.

WalkMe Through

Inputs Required:

• An area of interest opens in new window

1. In the side panel, click Mapping.
   
   
   
   Please wait for the mapping interface to load before proceeding.
2. You have the option to build your map based on Standard Geography, an existing Trade Area or Probability.
   
   Navigate to the ribbon on the top-left corner and select Add Layer > Variable > Standard Geography.
   
   
3. Select a licensed data source from the drop-down list. Alternatively, you can search for a specific variable using the search bar.
   
   
4. Select a Variable that you'd like to use by clicking the checkmark next to it.
   
   
5. Once you have made your selection, click Next.
   
   
6. Select an Area(s) of interest. Alternatively, you can search for a specific area using the search bar.
   
   If you are a Spectra client, you have the option to select one of your licensed areas by clicking the System Areas tab.
   
   
   
   Note: Select a minimum of three Trade Areas if you selected to map a Trade Area instead of standard geography. If you do not have enough or would like to create other Trade Areas, click Create New Area(s), which will lead you to a window where you can create Trade Areas using the Draw, Distance, Drivetime, Customer-Based, or Geography tools. Follow the steps in the Creating Custom Areas Using a Map opens in new window article for more guidance.
7. Once you have made your selection, click Next.
   
   
8. The Settings tab allows you to adjust the Map Type and Geography Level.
   
   
9. Click Create Layer. It may take a few minutes for the data and layer to load onto the map. 
10. The Style tab allows you to adjust the Method, Class, Colour Gradient, Outline Width, Outline Colour and Symbol Size.
    
    
    
    Read more about the Mapping classification methods opens in new window.
11. You have the option to create a Choropleth or Graduated Circles map. 
    
    Choropleth Map: A visual representation of geographic areas with high/low concentrations of your variable of interest (Map Count or Map % Penetration). Choropleth maps use different shading and colors based on quantitative data. The data is then classified using one of the classification methods available (Ex. Natural Break).
    
    
    
    Graduated Circle Map: A visual representation of the concentration of your variable of interest, along with the ability to overlay graduated circles representing variable density. Graduated circles scale the size of the circle proportionally to the quantity or value at that location. If it is a polygon, then it is most likely the centroid for that geography.
    
    
12. Click any of the coloured squares (Choropleth) or circles (Graduated Circles) to adjust the category style. 
    
    
    
    
13. Toggling from breaks to labels allows you to customize the threshold and names of the ranges, which will be reflected in the legend.
    
    
    
    Once you have made your stylistic edits, click Update Style. 
    
    
14. Close the editor by clicking 'x'.
    
    
15. The Content pane loads, allowing you to see your map layers. 
    
    
    
    Each layer is driven by a workflow. You can rearrange layers by dragging them up and down, projecting the layers onto your map accordingly. 
    
    
    
    You can add additional layers to your maps, such as customers opens in new window and segments opens in new window.
16. Navigate to the Save Map tab and add a Title and Subtitle. 
    
    
    
    Once complete, click Save. All saved maps are accessible through the Open Map tab.
17. You can export your map using the Print tab, which also provides further customization options.
    
    

Probability Maps

Probability maps are primarily for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) clients who license Spectra Trade Areas. These maps will represent the neighbourhood propensity to patronize focused stores, along with the variation in levels of patronage. Neighbourhoods outside the Trade Area boundary may or may not visit the focus location, but are more likely to frequent other store locations according to the Spectra probabilistic model. The probabilistic map shows the neighborhoods with the highest probability of patronage.

1. Once you have selected Add Layer > Variable > Probability, select a licensed data source. 
   
   
   
   You will be prompted to select a variable (likely a category, store of geographic location) that will be added as a layer to your map. 
   
   
2. Click Next to adjust the style of your layer.
   
   
3. The Style tab allows you to adjust the Method, Class Number, Colour Gradient, Outline Width and Outline Colour.
   
   
   
   Read more about the Mapping classification methods opens in new window.
   
   Note: Toggling from breaks to labels allows you to customize the threshold and names of the ranges, which will be reflected in the legend.
4. Click Create Layer once you have made any style adjustments.
   
   
5. Close the editor by clicking 'x'.
   
   
6. The Content pane loads, allowing you to see your map layers. 
   
   
   
   Each layer is driven by a workflow. You can rearrange layers by dragging them up and down, projecting the layers onto your map accordingly. 
   
   You can add additional layers to your maps, such as customers opens in new window and segments opens in new window.
7. Navigate to the Save Map tab and add a Title and Subtitle. Once complete, click Save. All saved maps are accessible through the Open Map tab.
   
   
8. You can export your map using the Print tab, which also provides further customization options.
   
   

For more information about mapping functionalities, please see The Mapping Toolbar opens in new window and Mapping Glossary opens in new window.