How to refine a catchment using inspect layers in Placemaker

This guide explains how to use 'Inspect layers' to check whether your catchment boundary includes the right areas, and how to add or remove SA1s to correct it before saving.

Before You Begin

You need an active catchment or catchment preview. See How to create a catchment in Placemaker or How to edit a catchment in Placemaker.

Steps

1. Switch to 'Inspect layers' mode: Click the Inspect layers tab at the bottom of the map. When you click an SA1 area, a data tooltip appears instead of adding or removing it from your catchment.
2. Select a layer to inspect: Click the layers icon in the top right of the map to open the Layers panel. Under Themes, select a layer to view — for example, Residential Development Forecast (RDF) to see where major development sites are located.
3. View the layer tooltip: Click any SA1 area on the map. A tooltip appears showing the data from the layer you have selected.
4. Switch back to Catchment creation mode: Click the Catchment creation tab at the bottom of the map. Clicking SA1 areas now adds or removes them from your catchment.
5. Add or remove SA1 areas: Click any SA1 area on the map to add or remove it. The SA1 count in the panel updates as you make changes.
6. Name and save: Enter a name in the Catchment name field (required) and click Save and view catchment insights.

What to Expect

Your catchment saves with the manually refined boundary. The updated SA1 count and boundary outline will appear on the insights page and in the Catchments list.

Troubleshooting

• Clicking on the map is not adding or removing areas: You are in 'Inspect layers' mode. Click the Catchment creation tab at the bottom of the map first.
• I cannot find the tabs: The tabs appear at the bottom of the map after you have clicked Preview.

Related Articles

• How to create a catchment in Placemaker
• How to edit a catchment in Placemaker
• What are standard ABS geographies?