Visualisation

Visualising wellbeing data

The wellbeing data in each statistical area is displayed alongside results for all Australian areas using different colours. Depending on the dataset selected in the atlas, the score or measure can fall in a low, average, high, or in-between position on the national scale. Areas with results on the lower end of the scale are represented in shades of blue/green, those with results in or near the middle in shades of yellow/orange, and areas with results on the higher end of the scale are represented in orange/red/pink. Whether a high or low position on the scale is a good wellbeing outcome depends on the individual dataset or indicator.

For example, a low number of low birthweight babies is a good outcome (represented in blue/green) while a high percentage of children fully vaccinated is also a good outcome (represented in orange/red/pink).

The map of Australia can be zoomed in and out, similar to Google Maps.

For some indicators, the Atlas can switch between male only, female only, or all.

In this prototype, comparisons can be made between areas for one wellbeing dataset or indicator. Future development aims to include the capability to compare multiple indicators within one area and between areas.

Australia is a very large country, and the national map is dominated by geographically large, sparsely populated rural areas. However, most of the population live in the capital cities. Because of the scale of the national map, it is difficult to see details of geographical differences within those densely populated capital cities. To overcome this, zoom into an area to see more detailed results.

Future development of the Atlas aims to include the capability to produce community overviews and regional summary plots.