How to make choropleth / heat maps

To create a new choropleth / heat map, click on the relevant administrative boundaries dataset in the choropleth / heat maps area. This will open a window with the map base on the left and an index and data input area on the right.

Notice how hovering over the index labels highlights the different boundaries on the map, and if you click the index row, the map will zoom to that boundary area. As you zoom in deeper to the map, you will see that extra place names, roads and other details come into view, which helps with understanding the geographical context of the administrative boundaries.

We recommend that you check that your dataset matches the index at this point, as there is often confusion and overlap between the different UK, local and regional administrative geographies. For example, Cumbria is a ceremonial county and until 2023 was also the name of a local authority and a non-metropolitan county, but for the purposes of local government it is now split into the unitary authorities of Cumberland, and Westmorland and Furness.

You can add data either by importing a spreadsheet or manually adding columns and values.

Importing data from a spreadsheet

If you have a spreadsheet, ensure it is structured so that the boundary labels are in Column A (1 per row), with the other data in columns and rows relating to Column A. Click the Import button on the top bar, then drop in your file. The importer should automatically format text and number columns, and report any issues. Your imported data will appear in table columns and rows next to the index.

Adding data manually

First add columns using the dropdown options then the +Add button above the index.

• Number – all data in the column will be numerical. Can include decimals and minus numbers but not alphanumeric codes like XYZ123. Number columns can be used for auto-colouring in the next step.
• Text Category – select if you want to apply repeating word terms (e.g. a status list like “In Preparation”, “Commissioned”, “Active”, “Cancelled”, “Mothballed”) for auto-colouring. Can include alphanumeric terms.
• Text Block – select if you want to add free text on multiple lines such as descriptions, addresses, notes.
• Image – you can store images for popups and info boxes on our system
• URL Link – turns into a clickable link in the Live View
• Email – ditto

You can add as many columns as you want, including multiples of the same type, and reorder columns by dragging. The data will feed to your popups / info boxes in column order.

If your table grows wide, drag the table panel to the left for a wider view. You will be able to scroll horizontally if the table becomes wider than the panel.

You can now add and edit row data.

Click the Colour Mapping Change button top right to open colouring options.

You can apply auto-colouring for Number or Category data columns.

Auto-colour with number column

The system will identify all number columns in your data (you can switch between different columns), calculate the minimum and maximum number values in each column, and suggest  parameters for heat mapping.

You can change the number of parameters, individual parameter values and key labels at any time.

The auto-colouring options include Carto and ColorBrewer palettes that are popular with cartographers. Scroll to the bottom of the list if you want to set your own palette for auto-colouring.

Press the Apply button to apply and view the auto-colouring and auto-generated key for your number parameters.

Auto-colour with Category column

The system will identify all category columns and unique category terms in your current data. Select a colour palette or create your own, then apply.

When auto-colouring is active, any new or changed data in the relevant column (with pink tinted column header) will automatically colourise itself according to the palette you’ve set.

You will be prompted to update your parameters if you put in new numbers above or below the range you’ve set.

If you add a new category term, it will automatically be added to the key with a new colour in your chosen palette.

You can change the auto-colouring options at any time.

If you don’t have data that can be used for auto-colouring, apply the “colour manually” option. This will activate key swatches that you can use directly by clicking the map or associated index row colour.

You can add colours, change the default colours, relabel key items and reorder key items as you please. If you change a key colour, all associated boundaries will change colour. If you delete a key item, its associated boundaries will be set back to white.

The Live View of your map shows the map cleanly without editing tools. The index and map boundaries are interactive. All your data will flow dynamically into the popups in column order. The key is also interactive, highlighting the associated boundaries as a group.

You can share the Live View with others (see Access Control).