Skip to main content

Spatial analysis

Spatial analysis derives new layers from existing ones. Every output is itself a feature layer, so results appear on the map immediately and can be used as input to the next operation.

Run an analysis​

  1. Open the Analysis panel from the map sidebar.
  2. Pick an operation (see the table below).
  3. Pick the input layers.
  4. Configure the operation's parameters.
  5. Click Run.

A progress bar shows the job moving through Queued → Running → Completed. When it completes, the output appears as a new layer in the layers panel.

Available operations​

OperationWhat it does
BufferCreates a polygon at a chosen distance around each input feature.
IntersectReturns features where two layers overlap.
UnionMerges overlapping features into combined polygons.
DifferenceSubtracts one layer from another (A minus B).
ClipCuts features to a bounding geometry.
Proximity (Nearest N)Finds the nearest N features in layer B for each feature in layer A, with distance.
Spatial joinCounts or sums features from one layer inside polygons of another.
HeatmapGenerates a density layer from point input.
IsochroneGenerates a drive- or walk-time catchment polygon around a point.
Attribute statisticsComputes sum, mean, min, max, or count over a region.

Chain operations​

Because every output is a new layer, you can feed the result of one analysis straight into another:

  1. Run a buffer on your bridges layer at 500 m.
  2. Run an intersect of the resulting polygons against your flood-zones layer.
  3. Run a heatmap on the intersection by severity.

Each step's output stays in the layers panel; you can rename or delete intermediate layers as you go.

Watch progress live​

While a job is running, click the job in the Jobs panel to see live progress and log output. You can leave the page; the job keeps running and the new layer appears when it's done.

Cancel a job​

In the Jobs panel, click the running job, then Cancel.

What next?​

  • Maps: inputs and outputs all appear on the same map.
  • Dashboards: use analysis outputs as widget data sources.
  • Flood data: combine flood-risk layers with your asset registers.