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How to create a catchment by drive time in Placemaker

Learn how to create a catchment by drive time in Placemaker to define a service area based on travel time from a specific location.

A drive time catchment defines the area reachable by road within a set number of minutes from a selected location. This method reflects a realistic service area — for example, the area within a 10-minute drive of a hospital or early learning centre.

This article covers the Drive time option specifically. For the full catchment creation process, see How to create a catchment in Placemaker.

Note: Drive time does not reflect peak hour traffic conditions. Catchment boundaries are based on average road travel times.

Steps

  1. Open the catchment creation panel: From the home screen, click + Create catchment.
  2. Select your location: Use the Address tab to search for an address, or the Drop pin tab to click a location on the map.
  3. Select Drive time: In the Refine catchment range section, the Drive time (min) tab is selected by default.
  4. Set the drive time: Use the slider to choose the number of minutes. The default is 5 minutes.
  5. Click Preview: The map will zoom to your location and draw the catchment boundary as SA1 statistical areas reachable within the drive time.
  6. Refine the boundary (optional): Click SA1 areas on the map to add or remove them from the catchment.
  7. Name and save: Enter a name in the Catchment name field (required) and click Save and view catchment insights.

What to Expect

The catchment boundary will follow road network routing and SA1 statistical area boundaries. Unlike a radius catchment, the drive time boundary will be irregular in shape.

The red outline displayed on the map shows the extent of the drive time area. The catchment is drawn based on the SA1 areas that touch or fall within that boundary.

Troubleshooting

  • 'Could not be geocoded' error: Try using the Address tab to search for a valid Australian address instead of dropping a pin.
  • Boundary is larger or smaller than expected: Drive time routing is based on the road network, not straight-line distance. Adjust the slider and click Preview again.
  • Pin placed outside Australia: Drive time routing is only available for locations on the Australian mainland.

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