Configure Redistricting Service

Click the unit layer in My Data List and then pick iRedistrict or iRedistrict for Site to configure the redistricting service.

Configure iRedistrict

Primary Optimization Factor

The first and most important parameter is the primary optimization factor. It is the attribute that the redistricting project plans to balance. For political redistricting, it is usually the population field. For other redistricting scenarios, it may be the attribute for workload, the number of customers, etc.

Predefined COI Layer

When creating redistricting plans, there is usually a collection of COI to respect. Upload the pre-defined COI layer into the system and then pick this file as the predefined COI layer. Multiple COI layers could be configured. Click save when the setting is finished.

Existing Boundaries

When creating redistricting plans, sometimes it is required to minimize the crossing of existing boundaries, for example, the prior redistricting boundaries, the administrative boundaries, etc. If we use voting districts to create the redistricting plan and expect to minimize the crossing of the county boundary, we pick the county boundary file as existing boundaries. More than one boundary layers can be specified.

Mega Boundaries

When creating redistricting plans, sometimes it is desired to make the plans nested within an upper level boundaries. For example, for police redistricting, it is desired to have the police service areas not crossing highways.

Background Layer

Background layers are for reference only. It doesn't affect redistricting. Any layers can be added as a background.

Configure iRedistrict for Site

Click the unit layer and choose iRedistrict for Site to configure the service.

First, select the site layer. If this layer has not been uploaded yet, please upload it first.

Then set the main optimization factor. It's usually the population attribute. For school redistricting, it is the student enrollment.

Set the site capacity. The site layer should have this attribute.

The settings for predefined COI layer, existing boundaries, mega boundaries and background layer are the same as configuration of iRedistrict mentioned in the section above.

Launch iRedistrict

After finishing the parameter setting, click Launch button to launch iRedistrict or iRedistrict for Site.

Configured redistricting projects can also be launched from Analytics Service menu.

When iRedistrict is launched, the interface is shown as below.

The interface of iRedistrict Online is composed of four main sections: the Map Output, the Side Toolbar, the Right Panel and the Bottom Panel. The Map Output displays all of the layers that are turned on and the generated redistricting plans. The Side Toolbar includes functions for map navigation, editing units, locking units, and creating, saving, and loading communities of interest (COI). The Right Panel includes tabs where you can define your criteria and create redistricting plans, view and compare plans, save and share plans to different galleries, and view processing and previous requests. The Bottom Panel includes descriptive information about each district within a plan and an option where you can view and configure a report.