How to add a polygon reference layer to the map

The reference layer feature provides a way to consistently display polygons/boundaries (e.g. LSOAs, wards, etc.) regardless of how point data is filtered on the page.

Custom geometry

This only works for ONS GSS codes and boundaries (e.g. W00008779). If custom geometry is required, then this is not supported by the reference layer.

The reference layer feature can be found under the Visualisations pane > Format Visual > Reference Layer Settings

For a reference layer to be generated, the relevant GSS codes need to be input into the ‘GSS Codes to add as map’ text box.

GSS codes can be copied and pasted directly from a spreadsheet into the text box, and it will automatically work.

Once the codes have been input, the visual should update after a few seconds with the relevant polygons displayed on the map as a reference layer that is not linked to any other data used in the visual.

Historic ONS GSS codes

The reference layer does not support historic ONS GSS codes. If polygons are missing, an old or incorrect code has been used and should be checked with the ONS.