We have a few exciting updates to announce!
A brand new look for LAEP+
We've rebuilt the platform's navigation to make core features easier to locate: You'll notice a redesigned home page and navigation bar, with new landing pages for the Map, Planning, Engagement, and Help areas of the tool.
LAEP+ tools are grouped into four sections, accessed from the navigation bar on the left:
Map: Includes the Data Explorer, DFES, and Projects. Navigate here to explore and interrogate the data available for your area.
Planning: Access Scenarios, Portfolios, Progress, Dashboards, and a new landing page for Projects. Go here to build and manage your LAEP and other energy plans.
Engagement: Here you’ll find Data Stories and Consultations, where you can build materials to share plans and data with stakeholders.
Help: This section contains the Progress Tracker, Knowledgebase, LAEP+ Use Cases, and DFES information, to help build your confidence navigating LAEP+.
Check out other updates below:
Map enhancements | 1. A tidier map with more room to work. Map widgets have been redesigned into a compact bar in the top-right corner, freeing up map space to better view data.
2. Dataset details are now easier to navigate: Previously, clicking on a point, building, or polygon, in a dataset would prompt a metadata pop-up to appear. This information has now been moved into the right-side panel, so you can keep it open while you explore the map (but it can be collapsed back into a pop-up anytime by clicking the arrows icon).
3. Clearer labels on point datasets. Did you know you can add labels to point datasets? These can be toggled on in the ‘Layers’ tab, and this week we have added the option to customise their appearance to ensure data can be read at a glance:
4. Export datasets as Shapefiles. Data exports are now available as shapefiles, alongside existing formats. |
Feature enhancements: Scenarios | 1. Set priorities using any dataset. You're no longer limited to a fixed list - you can now prioritise your scenario against any dataset available to you, so future scenarios align with your own targets and goals.
2. More realistic deployment over time. Deployment rate caps are now applied in the model, preventing unrealistically large year-on-year deployment in your scenario outputs. |
Feature enhancements: Projects | 1. Projects now has its own landing page! A new table view sits in the Planning section, making it easier to view all existing projects. Soon you'll also be able to bulk share or edit projects from this page.
2. Custom cost and carbon templates now cover all DFES assets. You can build custom templates for the full set of technologies available in Projects.
3. Deploy multiple EV chargers in one go, with a wider range of chargepoint options now also available.
4. Substation Supply Area mapping in Project exports. The substations impacted by your deployments are now included in Project exports, serving as useful evidence for conversations with your network operator. |
Feature enhancements: Portfolios | 1. Select all values in one click when configuring Portfolio rules. This is useful if you have uploaded a local dataset and want to include any buildings that overlap with this dataset.
2. You can now switch your basemap in Projects and Portfolios. Previously the base map could only be changed in the Data Explorer, but you can now choose from a range of basemap options in both Projects and Portfolios to suit the data you're viewing.
3. Better handling of your uploaded data in Portfolios. User-uploaded datasets were previously only available to be added as geospatial rules. Now, any datasets that include UPRNs can be added as building rules. |
Data Stories enhancements | 1. Reorder survey questions in feedback forms using a new drag-and-drop slider.
2. When viewing a data story, viewers now have the option to toggle-on a full-screen map view for a more immersive experience. |
As always, you can find 'how-to' guides and video guides in the Knowledgebase, as well as Live Chat support.