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Getting started with Placemaker

New to Placemaker? This guide walks you through logging in, finding your area, creating your first catchment and accessing forecast data.

This guide helps new users complete their first session in Placemaker, from logging in to viewing population forecast data for a catchment.

Before You Begin

  • You need an active Placemaker account. Contact your .id account manager if you are unsure whether your organisation has access.
  • Placemaker runs in a web browser. Use a current version of Chrome, Edge or Firefox for the best experience. 

Steps

  1. Log in 

    Go to app.id.com.au and sign in with your work email. See How to log in to Placemaker if you need help. You will land on a the Catchments home screen that lists all your saved Catchments. 

  2. Explore the map (optional) 

    Click Explore map to open the map without creating a catchment. From here you can change the geography level displayed on the map, or apply a data theme using the Layers panel in the top right. See What are standard ABS geographies? if you are unfamiliar with the geography levels available.

  3. Create a catchment

    From the home screen, click + Create catchment. The map opens with the Create a catchment panel on the left. Use the Address tab to search for a location, or the Drop pin tab to click directly on the map. Then choose a Drive time or Radius range and click Preview. See How to create a catchment in Placemaker for full instructions.

  4. Name and save

    Enter a name in the Catchment name field and click Save and view catchment insights.

  5. View insights 

    You are taken to the Insights page for your catchment. This shows population and dwelling forecast data, benchmark comparisons and age structure breakdowns for your defined area.

What to Expect

After completing these steps, you will have a saved catchment with population and dwelling forecast data. You can return to this catchment at any time from your catchment list.

Your next step is to explore the insights in more detail or export your data. See How to generate insights for a catchment in Placemaker and How to export data from Placemaker.

Troubleshooting

  • If you cannot log in, see I can't log in to Placemaker.
  • If your catchment does not appear after saving, try refreshing the page. If the issue persists, contact support.