Spectrum - Parcels Mailout CSV Generation

This document explains how to create a mailout CSV using Spectrum Spatial and Parcels. The process involves using polygon annotations with buffers to define an area, querying the Parcels layer for all properties within that area, and finally exporting the data as a CSV file.

The goal is to notify residents within a defined radius—such as those affected by nearby blasting along the Channel Highway—by generating a CSV file containing the relevant property details. You can use the exported CSV for mailouts and other communications.

Step 1: Define the Blast Zone

Create a Polygon:

Open Spectrum Spatial and select the Polygon annotation tool.
Draw a polygon along the area where blasting will occur (e.g., along a section of Channel Highway).
Name this polygon (e.g., “Blast Zone”) to easily identify it in your layers.

Add a Buffer:

Click on the newly created polygon to access additional options.
Choose the option to add a buffer.
Specify the desired distance (e.g., 1000 meters) to include all residents within the blast radius.
Apply the buffer, which expands the polygon to cover the target area.

Step 2: Query the Parcels

Access the Parcels Layer:

In the interface, navigate to the Parcels layer.
Click the three-dot menu next to the layer and select “Query.”

Run the Query:

In the query settings, select the blast zone (the polygon with the buffer) as your area of interest.
Although there is an option to filter (philtre) based on certain criteria (like improvements or vacant land), it is recommended to export all data first and apply filtering later in Excel to avoid inconsistencies.

Review the Query Results:

Once the query is executed, the Parcels within the blast zone will be highlighted.
The table on the left will display the query results, for example, “34 pages containing 846 parcels.”

Step 3: Export the CSV

Export Data:

Locate the three-dot menu at the top right of the query results table.
Choose the “Export all pages as CSV” option.
Save the CSV file to your desired location.

Post-Export Filtering:

Open the CSV file in Excel or your preferred spreadsheet software.
Filter out any entries that are not relevant (e.g., vacant land, parks, or reserves) if needed.

Additional Notes

Polygon vs. Circle Annotation:

While a circle annotation is a quick method to approximate a radius, using a polygon with a buffer allows for more precision, especially when the area of interest is irregular or spread over a longer stretch.

Final Adjustments:

After exporting the CSV, further customisation and filtering in Excel can tailor the dataset to your exact needs.

If you encounter any issues during this process, review each step carefully or consult further documentation provided by Spectrum Spatial.