Map layers and reports
Map layers show local conditions, reports show citywide totals and trends, and inspectors show individual buildings, roads and parks.
A useful inspection sequence
- Read the complaint or the report that shows a problem.
- Select the related map layer and read its legend.
- Inspect a building or street in the affected area.
- Identify the constraint before changing zoning, capacity, funding or connections.
- Let the calendar advance and compare the trend after the change.
Some figures update daily or weekly. Let the calendar advance to see the effect of a change.
Planning and economy layers
| Layer | What to check |
|---|---|
| Zoning | Zone type and painted density |
| Development | Why a zoned site is not receiving a viable project |
| Land value | How location and the city's development affect property value |
| Cost of living | Where household costs are high relative to the comparison level |
| Affordability | Where residents struggle with rent |
| Business profit | Where firms are losing money or doing well |
| Market | Whether customers or goods can reach a market |
| Occupancy | Where existing buildings have unused space |
Transport layers
| Layer | What to check |
|---|---|
| Road traffic | Congestion and pressure against road capacity |
| Road condition | Worn and potholed streets that slow journeys |
| Foot traffic | The routes pedestrians actually use |
| Parking | Buildings whose arriving cars exceed nearby parking supply |
| Car ownership | Districts where many residents cannot drive |
| Bus service | Stops and areas with inactive or infrequent service |
| Metro service | Access to working metro service |
The J shortcut shows pedestrian connectivity, which is different from how busy the Foot traffic layer looks. A disconnected pavement can be quiet precisely because no useful journey can use it.
Environment and services
Air pollution, Noise pollution, Daylight and street appearance help explain where housing is desirable and what can develop. Green space shows residents' access to usable park capacity.
Safety, Fire & Rescue response, Healthcare access, the three education layers and Homelessness show service outcomes.
Citywide reports
- Economy → Overview: the general economy and demand picture.
- Economy → Money: taxes, ongoing spending, debt and available borrowing.
- Economy → Business: business costs, profits and development constraints.
- Economy → Policy: service funding and building-code controls.
- Economy → Financial Reports: finances over reporting periods.
- Society: population, households, mood, employment, transport and education.
- Services: housing, civic services and visitors.
- Utilities: overall supply, each utility and contracts.
Check the selected chart period when comparing reports. A citywide improvement can hide a local failure, so return to the layer and inspect the district that prompted the change.
Simulation mode only
Economy → Money also contains votes, bonds and funding promises. These controls are unavailable in Arcade. See Economy and budget for how they work.
For a list of symptoms and the first places to check, see Troubleshooting.