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How to create a catchment in Placemaker

Learn how to create a catchment in Placemaker to define a service area and access population and dwelling forecast insights.

This article is for Placemaker customers.

Looking to define a service area in another .id product? See: How do I create a catchment or service area?

Use this guide to create a catchment in Placemaker by selecting a location and setting a radius or drive time range.

Before You Begin

You must be logged in to Placemaker. See How to log in to Placemaker.

Steps

  1. Open the catchment creation panel: From the Catchments home screen, click + Create catchment.
  2. Choose your location method:
    • Address: search for a street address or suburb. Select your location from the autocomplete dropdown.
    • Drop pin: click anywhere on the map to place a pin.
  3. Set the catchment range: Choose a method and use the slider to adjust the value.
    • Drive time (min): defines the area reachable by road within the selected number of minutes. Maximum is 20 minutes.
    • Radius (km): draws a circular area at a set distance from your point. Default is 5 km, range is 1–20 km.

  4. Preview the catchment: Click Preview. The map zooms to your location and displays the SA1 areas that fall within your range. Click individual SA1 areas on the map to add or remove them.
  5. Name and save:
    1. Enter a name in the Catchment name field (required).
    2. Click Save and view catchment insights to save and go directly to the Insights page.

    What to Expect

    After saving, you are taken to the Insights page for your new catchment. Your catchment also appears in the Catchments list on the home screen.

    Troubleshooting

    • 'Could not be geocoded' error after clicking Preview: The pin may have been placed outside Australia. Use the Address tab or reposition the pin on the Australian mainland.
    • Catchment boundary looks wrong: Click individual SA1 areas on the map to add or remove them before saving.
    • Save button is not active: Enter a name in the Catchment name field before saving.

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