Halton Observatory has a range of applications for analysing the performance of regions and localities. They are easy and quick to use and are designed to help users generate a better understanding of the city - economically, socially, environmentally.
Users are first invited to select an application - map, rank, compare or profile. They are then asked to select a dataset (region, district or ward) and indicator from a series of drop-down menus. By pressing the 'build' button they can then create a map or chart, displaying the results. These can be either printed or saved, for use in reports or presentations.

Map
Halton Observatory allows you to create thematic maps to compare performance at a range of geographical levels. These can be used to set an area within a broader national and regional context, or to examine performance within a particular region or district.
Maps provide a powerful means of connecting local concerns more broadly with those at a regional and national level. They also provide a means of identifying the geography and character of local communities.

If you experience any difficulties during the selection process please press Reset and start again.

Profile
Halton Observatory allows the creation of local area profiles, bringing together a range of indicators to benchmark the performance of a specific area. Up to eight indicators can be selected and a radar chart created to display the results. The higher the score on the chart, the better the performance based on national rankings. Users also have the option of identifying 'nearest neighbours' - other areas with a similar profile.
The profiling application provides a quick and powerful analysis of an area's character, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. The supporting table presents the results and also the overall performance i.e. in the top 10% nationally.

By identifying its 'nearest neighbours' it is possible to highlight the areas with similar characteristics - ideal for benchmarking performance and sharing experience.

Rank
Halton Observatory allows you to rank regional and local area performance. League tables or lists can be created to show the areas with the best and worst performance - nationally, regionally or locally.
The rankings can be created quickly and easily - simply select an indicator and press the 'build' button to create a league table. The outputs can be downloaded into spreadsheets for further analysis.

While the rankings will be made up of a cross-section of different types of areas, they nevertheless provide a powerful means of benchmarking and comparing local performance.

Compare
Halton Observatory allows you to compare locals areas on a wide range of indicators. An area can be quickly compared with its neighbouring areas, or with cities in other parts of the country. The outputs are displayed in bar-chart format, providing a graphic representation of the results.

Many policy initiatives, such as Best Value programmes within local government, encourage comparison with other areas. Through Halton Observatory the task of analysing relative performance is greatly simplified.

Change
Start by selecting an indicator. Next select the area for which you want to plot change over time. Next press the 'build' button to create a graph.