Building Layers¶
Layers are the core of Polimap. Each layer maps a dataset onto geographic regions, displayed as a colour-coded choropleth on the map.
The Query Panel¶
The query panel on the left side of the map view has four fields that define a layer:
1. Geography¶
The top-level geographic grouping. This determines which regions you can select.
| Geography | Description |
|---|---|
| State | Australian states and territories |
| Commonwealth Electoral Division | Federal electorates |
| Local Government Area | Councils and shires |
| Postcode | Postal areas |
| Suburb | Suburbs and localities |
2. Regions¶
After selecting a geography, choose one or more specific regions. For example, if your geography is "State", you might select "Victoria" and "New South Wales".
You can type to filter the list and use Shift+Enter to add without closing the dropdown.
3. Display Level¶
The level of geographic detail for data display within your selected regions. For example, within a state you might display data at:
- CED — Commonwealth Electoral Divisions (federal seats)
- SED — State Electoral Divisions
- LGA — Local Government Areas
- SA1 — Statistical Areas Level 1 (smallest, most detailed)
- Booth — Individual polling booths (electoral data only)
Not all combinations are valid — the interface automatically filters to show only levels that work with your chosen geography.
4. Dataset¶
The data to display. Datasets are grouped into categories:
- ABS Census — Demographic data from the 2011, 2016, and 2021 censuses (population, income, education, housing, etc.)
- Electoral — Federal election results (primary votes, two-party preferred, swing)
- My Data — Datasets you've uploaded via Import/Export
Type to search within the dataset list.
Managing Layers¶
Once added, layers appear in the Layer List below the query panel:
- Checkbox — toggle layer visibility on the map
- Click the name — make a layer active (its legend shows on the map)
- Rename — click the edit icon to rename a layer
- Delete — click the delete icon to remove a layer
- Clear All — remove all layers at once
Compare Mode¶
Select two layers and use the compare toggle to view them side by side in a split-screen map view. Both sides stay synchronised — pan and zoom on one and the other follows.