We have updated ACS 2019-2023 indicators in the Community Needs Assessment and added new layers to the Map Room. Learn more!
How to Use the Location Opportunity Footprint Tool
The SparkMap Location Opportunity Footprint Tool (“LOFT”) identifies areas where opportunities exist by finding neighborhoods with proficient schools, job opportunities, and low housing and transportation costs. The underlying data used in this tool are from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Location Affordability Index Program (Version 3.0) and the HUD School Proficiency Index.
1
Access the LOFT
2
Use the LOFT
3
Overlay Other Map Layers
4
Generate Demographic Report
Step 1 – Access the Location Opportunity Footprint Tool
Navigate to a location of interest by zooming into the map, or searching for a location in the bottom right search bar.
Navigate to Tools on the left-hand menu and select “Location Opportunity Footprint” (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Location Opportunity Footprint Tool in the Map Room Tools pane
Looking to create a ZIP code-level Community Needs Assessment? You can do so with a Premium Annual Subscription. Already a Premium Annual Subscriber? Check out our tutorial, How to Build A ZIP Code-Level Community Needs Assessment.
Step 2 – Use the LOFT
Once you’ve opened the Tool, the map will populate with colors representing different thresholds (Figure 2). Areas that meet two or more of the thresholds will be highlighted in purple.
Figure 2: Little Rock, AR, with the Location Opportunity Footprint enabled
Light purple () represents areas that meet 2 of the 3 criteria
Dark purple () represents areas that meet all 3 criteria
The indicators used in this tool determine levels of opportunity in three domains:
School Proficiency Index Score
Job Gravity Score
Monthly Cost of Housing and Transportation for Family at 50% AMI
Once you’ve loaded the LOFT, adjust the indicator threshold values using the sliders (Figure 3). The map will dynamically populate areas that meet the updated thresholds.
This tool allows users to adjust for spatial variation and relative importance of the three opportunity factors. For example, to prioritize the proficiency of schools, slide the first meter to a higher value. To prioritize affordability, slide the last meter to a lower value.
For our example here, we chose SNAP-Authorized Retailers – the SNAP layer and the LOFT are now both visible on our map (Figure 4). Using additional data can help provide a more robust assessment of opportunities in your area of interest.
Step 4 – Generate a Demographic Report
The LOFT also includes a handy Quick Report that summarizes demographic information as well as additional population data.
In the Footprint Map Layer pane, click the “Quick Report” button (Figure 5).
Figure 5: Button location to generate Quick Report
This report contains the generated map, legend, basic demographic information, race/ethnicity breakouts, gender/age breakouts, and more detail about the vulnerable populations.
*Note: Only areas of your map view that meet all three threshold criteria will be included in the Quick Report.
You can continue to add additional layers, save, export, or share your map. For more information on how to use the Map Room, explore our other support materials.