Spectrum - Querying Multiple Columns (historical imagery)

This guide shows you how to filter historical images by date and scale to help you find exactly what you’re looking for (like images of the Civic Centre from the 1980s). You’ll create a custom query that shows only images:

• From a specific date range
• With a preferred map scale
• In your area of interest (e.g., the Civic Centre)

Step 1: Open the Query Menu

• Scroll down to the layer called Historical Kingborough imagery
• Click the three dots (•••) next to the layer
• Select Query

Step 2: Focus on Your Area

• Zoom the map into the area you want (e.g. the Civic Centre)
• The query will only apply to what’s visible on your screen, helping reduce unnecessary results

Step 3: Add Your Filters

Click Custom Filter, then:

🗓️ Filter by Date

• Condition 1:
  • Column: date
  • Filter: is greater than

  • Value: 01/01/1980

    Condition 2:

  • Column: date
  • Filter: is less than
  • Value: 01/01/1990

This will show only images from the 1980s.

📏 Filter by Scale

• Add another condition:
  • Column: scale
  • Filter: is less than
  • Value: 20000

Note: Older images use scale. Newer ones may use resolution instead.

Step 4: Save and Run the Query

• Give your query a name like "Civic Centre 1980s"
• Click Create
• You’ll now see a new layer showing only the filtered images

View and Download Your Results

1. Clean Up the Map

• Turn off the original Historical Imagery layer
• You’ll now see just your filtered images

2. View Image Details

• Click on an image
• Info will appear on the left panel
• You might see a low-quality preview by default

3. Download High-Res Images

• If available, click High Resolution to download a better version

Tips and Notes

• Filters vary by layer – not all layers use date or scale
• Customise as needed – you can change the date range or use different columns
• Having issues?
  • Make sure you press Enter after typing a value
  • Double-check that you're filtering the right column

Need Help?

If you run into trouble or have questions, contact the Digital Experience team for support. We're happy to help!