Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)¶
General Questions:
- General Questions
- What types of questions can I answer with this platform?
- What do I need to be able to use UrbanCanvas? What are the minimum system requirements?
- What geographic areas are currently supported for the census block model?
- Do I have to know a programming language to use the platform?
- I would rather use a command prompt than a User Interface (UI), can I do this with this service?
- Can I run a local version of the service?
- Are my data and results safe in the cloud?
- Accounts
- How do I manage my UrbanSim user account and change my password, email, or username?
- How can I manage users associated with my UrbanCanvas subscription and invite new users?
- How can I view information associated with my subscription or UrbanCanvas region?
- What counts as a simulation run?
- Can I have both a block and zone or parcel level model with a single subscription? I’d like to try out multiple templates.
- Is the standard subscription rate of 100 simulation runs per organization/subscription, or is it per seat?
- Can I have users with different levels of permissions in UrbanCanvas?
General UrbanCanvas Modeler Questions:
- General UrbanCanvas Questions
- How can I retrieve my stored data and results?
- Does the platform include a travel model? If not, can I upload my own travel model skims?
- What other analytical tools are offered in UrbanCanvas besides the UrbanSim modeling platform?
- Can I assess and visualize the results of UrbanSim using only this platform?
- Does UrbanCanvas offer a way to systematically collect feedback on model input data or results?
- Can I visualize simulation results with charts and build a chart dashboard?
- Can I visualize spatial time series indicators on the map or use a time slider?
- If I need in-depth assistance, how can I access customer support?
- What system of measurement is supported in the model and the user interface?
- Data
- What are the data requirements to run a model?
- What data sources are used in UrbanCanvas Modeler and how often are they updated? If I want to use my own data, can I?
- Can I upload, modify, and visualize my 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?
- Can I bulk upload development projects, constraints, and adjustments?
General UrbanSim Block Model Questions:
- General UrbanSim Block Model Questions
- Who is the intended audience for the census block model?
- What is UrbanSim?
- What spatial scale does the model operate at?
- How long does a typical UrbanSim model region take to simulate?
- How is model calibration achieved?
- How is model validation achieved?
- Can I assert area-specific outcomes in the model? If so, how is this achieved?
- Are development constraints allowed? If so, how is this achieved?
- How are zoning data applied to blocks?
UrbanSim Block Model Technical Questions:
- UrbanSim Block Model Technical Questions
- How does the block model implement redevelopment?
- Are base-year trends locked in as behaviors throughout simulations?
- What if there is not enough capacity for an adjustment record?
- How does the block model handle environmental constraints on development?
- Can I supplement the model specifications with my own variable categories?