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How to create Voronoi diagrams

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Voronoi diagrams are a powerful spatial analysis tool that divides geographic space into regions based on proximity to a set of points. Each region in a Voronoi diagram represents the area closest to a specific point, making it useful for tasks like service area mapping, resource allocation, and proximity analysis.

This guide will walk you through the steps to create and customize Voronoi diagrams using Atlas.


What is a Voronoi Diagram?

A Voronoi diagram divides a space into regions around a set of points. Each region contains all the locations closer to its respective point than to any other point. Common applications include:

  • Urban Planning: Define service areas for hospitals, schools, or fire stations.
  • Retail Analysis: Map customer proximity to store locations.
  • Environmental Studies: Visualize territories of species or environmental factors.

Step 1: Log In to Atlas

Log in to your Atlas account. Open an existing map or create a new project by selecting Create Project. This will take you to the map editor, where you can start working with your data.


Step 2: Prepare and Upload Your Data

You’ll need point data to create a Voronoi diagram. Each point represents the location around which the regions will be constructed (e.g., store locations, sensor points, or landmarks).

  • Upload your data: Click Add Data in the map editor to upload your point dataset. Atlas supports formats like CSV, GeoJSON, Shapefiles and Geopackage.
  • Import data using the OpenStreetMap connection: Use the OpenStreetMap connection to import data directly into your map. Ensure that the points are accurately displayed, with latitude and longitude coordinates included in the dataset.

Import data using the OpenStreetMap connection


Step 3: Generate the Voronoi Diagram

  1. Select the point layer: In the Layers Panel, click on the point layer you want to use for the Voronoi diagram.
  2. Access analysis tools: Open the Analysis Tools section and choose Create Voronoi Diagram.
  3. Define the boundary: Specify the extent of the Voronoi diagram. You can use:
    • Bounding Box: Automatically extend regions to the dataset's geographic bounds.
    • Custom Boundary: Use a polygon layer (e.g., city limits) to restrict the Voronoi regions.
  4. Run the analysis: Atlas will calculate the Voronoi regions and display them as a new polygon layer.

Step 4: Customize Your Voronoi Diagram

Atlas provides tools to refine and stylize your Voronoi diagram:

  • Style the regions: Adjust colors, transparency, or line styles to make the regions visually appealing.
  • Add labels: Display the names or IDs of the points within each region for clarity.
  • Merge small regions: Simplify your diagram by combining small or insignificant regions.

Step 5: Add Context with Basemaps and Additional Layers

Enhance your Voronoi diagram by overlaying it on relevant basemaps and adding other layers for context. For example:

  • Use a road network basemap to visualize connectivity.
  • Add population density or demographic layers for further analysis.

Step 6: Analyze and Interpret the Diagram

Use the Voronoi diagram to gain insights into spatial relationships:

  • Identify regions with large or small coverage areas.
  • Assess overlapping or underserved areas.
  • Compare the distribution of resources or services within different zones.

Step 7: Share Your Voronoi Diagram

Once complete, share your Voronoi diagram with others by:

  • Generating a shareable link.
  • Exporting it as an image or PDF.
  • Embedding the map on a website.

Practical Applications of Voronoi Diagrams

Voronoi diagrams are versatile and can be applied in various fields:

  • Healthcare: Map hospital catchment areas based on proximity.
  • Retail: Define trade areas for retail stores or distribution centers.
  • Ecology: Study habitats and territories of species.
  • Emergency Services: Plan fire station or ambulance coverage zones.
  • Agriculture: Allocate water resources based on irrigation point locations.

Tips for Effective Voronoi Diagrams

  • Ensure your points are distributed evenly to avoid overly fragmented regions.
  • Use meaningful boundaries to keep regions within realistic extents.
  • Combine the Voronoi diagram with other datasets for deeper analysis.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to create detailed and insightful Voronoi diagrams with Atlas, unlocking valuable spatial insights for your projects.