How to do areas and ratios on many sites simultaneously

Use the precinct app to create area breakdowns fast.

Create Scenarios using Drawing Layers

Precinct works based on comparing geometry drawn on separate drawing layers.

Create a new Drawing layer using the New Drawing Layer button in the Layer palette

To add a geometry to a layer, select the geometry, then select the layer from the dropdown in the left hand Properties palette

It is recommended to group layers by scenario to make analysis and visibility easier to control.

To group layers, drag one layer directly on top of another layer.

You will be prompted to enter a name for the group.

You can turn grouped layers on and off with a single toggle.

Add Layer Groups

Giraffe Urban Calculations shows the areas for all layers that are on. To show areas for different options turn the layers you don't want to consider to fully invisible. (You'll see a closed eye icon).

Remember you can use views to control layer visibility! Layers can be used in the normal view and also in the 3D view.

<aside> 💡 Learn more about managing scenarios with Create and Manage Options

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Best practice set up for Precinct is:

1. Create layers per scenario you plan to compare:
   1. One for geometry, like buildings, roads, parking, and landscape
      • Create multiple geometry layers if you want to compare geometry sitting in the same parcel (IE - multiple building configurations for the same site)
      • You only need a single geometry layer if you are comparing geometry sitting on multiple disconnected parcels
   2. One for Polygons. The polygons should outline the parcels you wish to compare. This is how Precinct will understand to calculate your coverage metrics from.
      • Create a single parcel outline if you are only using one site
      • Create multiple if you are comparing multiple sites.

Example of Disconnected Parcels:

Example of a single parcel: