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How to explore population forecast data in Placemaker

Learn how to explore population forecast data in Placemaker. Turn on various forecast layers to understand change into the future.

This article is for Placemaker customers.

Use this guide to navigate to population forecast data in Placemaker, adjust the geography and time horizon, and interpret what you see on the map.

Before You Begin

  • You must have an active Placemaker account with access to population forecast data.
  • Your organisation must be subscribed to the National Forecasting Program (NFP).
  • If you're unsure what data you have access to, see Understanding your data access in Placemaker.

Steps

  1. Navigate to Placemaker. Log in at app.id.com.au and click Explore Map.
  2. Pan to your area of interest. Use your mouse to pan and zoom to the location you want to explore.
  3. Open the data panel. Click the data panel icon on the right side of the map. The panel shows the data layers available for your current map view.
  4. Select Population Forecasts. In the data panel, select 'Population Forecasts' from the data layer options. The map updates to show forecast population growth across the area.
  5. Set the forecast horizon. Use the time horizon selector to choose your period — for example, five years (short-term) or 20 years (long-term). The map updates to reflect the selected period.
  6. Adjust the geography level. Use the geography selector to toggle between SA1, SA2, SA4 or state level, depending on the scale of analysis you need. Finer geographies show more localised variation in forecast growth.
  7. View the residential development layer (optional). To see forecast dwelling contributions by site, select 'Residential Development' under Themes. The map shows each development site and the number of dwellings it is forecast to contribute during your selected period.

What to Expect

The map displays a colour-coded map of forecast population growth across your selected geography and time horizon. Darker shading indicates higher forecast growth. The data panel shows summary statistics: total forecast population, growth figures and age structure breakdown.

Use this view to identify where growth is concentrated before building a catchment.

 placemaker-how-to-view-population-forecast-by-geography-end-state— Screenshot showing population forecast data on the Placemaker map with the data panel open.

Troubleshooting

  • Population forecast data isn't showing: Check that your Placemaker subscription includes National Forecasting Program data. If the data layer is greyed out or missing, contact .id support to confirm your entitlements.
  • The geography level I need isn't available: Not all geographies are available for all forecast datasets. SA1-level forecasts are available for NFP clients only. See Understanding population and dwelling forecasts in Placemaker for the full list.

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