How to create a catchment by radius in Placemaker

A radius catchment defines a circular area at a set distance from a selected location. This is useful when you want a simple, consistent geographic boundary. For example, a 2 km catchment around a school or retail site.

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

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 Radius: In the Refine catchment range section, click the Radius (km) tab.
4. Set the distance: Use the slider to choose the radius in kilometres. The default is 5 km.
5. Click Preview: The map will zoom to your location and draw the catchment boundary.
6. Refine the boundary (optional): Click individual SA1 areas on the map to add or remove them, or adjust the radius slider and click Preview again to recalculate.
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 follows SA1 statistical area boundaries rather than drawing a perfect circle. The actual shape may be slightly irregular depending on how SA1 areas align with your radius.

After saving, you are taken to the Insights page with population and dwelling forecast data for your catchment.

Troubleshooting

• The boundary looks larger or smaller than expected: SA1 areas are included if they touch or fall within the radius. Adjust the slider and click Preview again to recalculate.
• Pin placed in the ocean: Only locations on the Australian mainland will generate a valid catchment. Use the Address tab or reposition the pin.

Related Articles

• How to create a catchment in Placemaker
• How to create a catchment by drive time in Placemaker
• How to generate insights for a catchment in Placemaker