General UrbanCanvas Questions¶
How can I retrieve my stored data and results?¶
The platform allows users to download simulation indicators, view indicators on the map and charts in a dashboard.
Does the platform include a travel model? If not, can I upload my own travel model skims?¶
The platform does not currently have a built-in travel model, however there are a number of ways to incorporate travel model skims into UrbanSim and also to automate a connection between a local travel model and UrbanSim. For details see the travel model integration page here here.
What other analytical tools are offered in UrbanCanvas besides the UrbanSim modeling platform?¶
In addition to the core UrbanSim simulation and forecasting features and the spatial, tabular, and chart visualization of scenario inputs and model outputs, UrbanCanvas Modeler provides the user with an indicator framework to run calculations on their region’s data and visualize the results. Example calculations include densities and network-based accessibility metrics. Additionally, a stand-alone indicator uploader is available for users to create indicator map layers with no need to run a simulation. Additional analyses can be conducted on exported simulation results outside the platform as needed and then uploaded for use in UrbanCanvas.
Can I assess and visualize the results of UrbanSim using only this platform?¶
Users will be able to calculate indicators on the simulated data for use in assessing and visualizing results in UrbanCanvas in spatial, tabular, and chart form. A more structured data validation framework is forthcoming. In the meantime, additional GIS and table-editing tools can be helpful.
Does UrbanCanvas offer a way to systematically collect feedback on model input data or results?¶
Yes the built-in open ended commenting tool allows you to collect and organize internal or external feedback at any stage of the modeling process and associate that feedback with a specific location on the map with options to open and resolve comments, reply to comments, and download comments.
Can I visualize simulation results with charts and build a chart dashboard?¶
Yes the built-in chart dashboard interface allows you to visualize any chart output from simulation results and allows you to build your own custom dashboard of charts to showcase a selection of charts. See the chart dashboard section for more information.
Can I visualize spatial time series indicators on the map or use a time slider?¶
Yes time series indicators can be visualized on the map as map layers. Specific time points in time series layers can be selected to view on the map or the entire time series can be visualize using the built-in time slider tool. See the map layers section for more information. In addition, custom time series indicators can be uploaded to UrbanCanvas and visualized on the map or used in the time slider.
If I need in-depth assistance, how can I access customer support?¶
We respond to support questions within 24 hours and aim to provide users with a high level of technical support. Fixing customer-reported bugs are given high-priority in our work queue. For requests that involve modeling advice or new features, consulting support can be obtained - contact us for further details about our terms and rates.
What system of measurement is supported in the model and the user interface?¶
By default, the system of measurement (e.g. imperial or metric system) will be defined by your UrbanSim model base data. The system of measurement natively used by your simulation will be the system of measurement that all simulation data inputs and outputs will use. However, the user interface can be configured to be in a different system of measurement than the simulation. Values will be stored in both systems of measurement (imperial and metric) and data will be displayed in the user interface using the system you configure in your account settings. See the user interface settings section for more information.
Data¶
What are the data requirements to run a model?¶
Data requirements depend on which model template is being utilized.
For the census block model, the user should upload their local zoning data, travel model skims, Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) geometry, and provide macro assumptions regarding household growth, employment growth, and residential vacancy rates.
For the parcel model, the user will typically have a consulting agreement with UrbanSim to develop the required model inputs. Typically, the user must supply regional parcel, zoning, and building data and work with UrbanSim to develop their synthetic population and employment data. In addition, users should upload their local zoning data, travel model skims, Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) geometry, and provide macro assumptions regarding household growth, employment growth, and residential and non-residential vacancy rates.
For the zone model, the user will typically have a consulting agreement with UrbanSim to develop the required model inputs. Typically, the user must supply regional zonal geographies and development capacities and work with UrbanSim to develop their synthetic population and employment data. In addition, users should upload their local zoning data, travel model skims, Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) geometry, and provide macro assumptions regarding household growth, employment growth, and residential vacancy rates.
What data sources are used in UrbanCanvas Modeler and how often are they updated? If I want to use my own data, can I?¶
The block-level model template utilizes year 2010 US Census data from Summary File 1 (SF1), the American Community Survey (ACS), Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD), OpenStreetMap and other public data sources. These data will be updated on an annual basis for users with subscriptions. In the block-model context, the user contributes their zoning data, skims, macro-economic controls, and optional custom summary geographies. The ability to supply one’s own employment data is available upon request. In the zone and parcel model templates, users are be expected to contribute all of their own data in the proper UrbanSim schema.
The parcel-level model template relies heavily on user generated data. See the parcel-model data requirements for more information.
The zone-level model template also relies heavily on user generated data. See the zone-model data requirements for more information.
Can I upload, modify, and visualize my own custom GIS data?¶
Certain model inputs can be uploaded, edited, used in simulations, and visualized. You may upload your own custom GIS data as shapefiles to visualize them on the map, however there is currently no capacity to edit your own custom GIS data.
Does my GIS data need to be in a certain projection for upload? If so, will the data be automatically reprojected?¶
No specific projection is necessary. However, shapefiles do need a projection (.prj file).
Can I bulk upload development projects, constraints, and adjustments?¶
Bulk development project, constraint, and adjustment upload features in the user interface for all model types are coming soon. Block model constraints can be bulk uploaded in UrbanCanvas from zoning data with the block model zoning to constraint converter tool. Bulk uploads can be requested at anytime by contacting us here. Bulk uploads of development projects must follow these data schema requirements: blocks, zones, and parcels. Bulk uploads of constraints must follow these data schema requirements: parcels and zones. Bulk uploads of adjustments must follow these data schema requirements: blocks, parcels, and zones.