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Frequently Asked Questions

A list of our most commonly asked questions

Updated over a month ago

Data

How is data accuracy and reliability ensured in datasets?

Data is sourced from a range of industry standard providers, including the Ordnance Survey, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, and SGN. This data is a mixture of modelled and metered data; the data type is always noted in the dataset abstract given in LENZA. Access this by clicking ‘dataset info’ in the top right once you have downloaded a dataset. You can view the data source by clicking the ‘i’ icon next to the dataset name.

We comply with the Data Management Association UK (DAMA-UK) 6 dimension, and where relevant the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System. Data sources are identified and validated to ensure they're trustworthy.

The Renewable Potential datasets in LENZA are provided by Advanced Infrastructure (AITL). The Renewable Potential digital twin datasets use multiple data providers to cross-validate and eliminate errors and uncertainties in building attributes such as age, energy performance, potential for retrofit technologies and envelope. Our data partners include HMLR, Ordnance Survey, Verisk Insurance, Open Street map, and inferred data from satellite imagery. These are validated against surveyed data. Read more about the modelling approach used in LENZA in the Dataset Assumptions section of the LENZA Knowledgebase.

How do I know my data is secure?

Advanced Infrastructure is IS027001 certified. All data in LENZA is encrypted at rest and in transit. The application is secured by multi-factor authentication.

How can I view substation capacity to understand where grid capacity would need to be increased to support my plans?

This data is available in the 'Primary Substation Supply Areas' and 'Secondary Substation Supply Areas' datasets in the Utility Networks folder. Spare capacity can be assessed in Projects by using the slider bar to estimate the total connection size of your new development.

What does it mean if a polygon is grey in the Network Capacity dataset?

Network Capacity is a data layer shared with Advanced Infrastructure. The grey polygons indicate areas where we do not have enough data to populate the network capacity.

Is non-domestic renewable potential data available in LENZA?

We have non-domestic data in LENZA for ASHPs, GSHPs, PV, and LCT costs.

How did you model building suitability for low carbon technologies such as heat pumps or rooftop PV?

View the methodology for all of our modelled datasets here: https://intercom-help.eu/lenza-help-center/en/collections/231157-dataset-assumptions

Can I see my data as a table?

Yes. Go to Layers - find your dataset and click on the table symbol.

Can I access my data in charts & graphs?

To access the reporting dashboards, navigate to the report icon in the left side panel. Here you can create an array of graphs and charts, including bar charts, line graphs, tables, pie charts, and area charts.

How can I adjust the overlay order of data layers?

In Layers just click and drag the datasets to adjust the order.

What do the colours on a dataset mean?

Colour, stroke and height can all be set based on fields within a dataset (customise these in the Layers tab). You can view the Legend by clicking on the Legend icon - the last of the 4 buttons in the top right corner of the map

How do I change the colour of a dataset based on a value within the dataset?

You can adjust the fill colour, stroke and height of a data layer based on attributes within the dataset. To do so, go to Layers and expand your chosen dataset. Click on the three dots next to Fill Colour and select the attribute field you want to determine the colour. ‘Save’ if you want to remember these configurations next time you log in.

How do I export a dataset?

After downloading a dataset in LENZA, there are two simple ways to export it:

1) Navigate to Layers, select the dropdown arrow for the dataset you wish to export. Click ‘Export Dataset’ and choose your preferred export format (CSV or geoJSON). If you cannot see the ‘Export Dataset’ button, then your administrator has likely restricted your export permission for the dataset.

2) If you would like to export a subset of a dataset, navigate to the Filters tab in the right-side panel and apply your chosen filter(s), save and then click ‘download’.

Can I download a filtered version of a dataset?

Go to the Filters tab in the map interface and apply your chosen filter(s). To download your filtered dataset, click ‘save’ and then ‘download’. This will trigger an email sent to your inbox with a link to download the dataset. Click the trash icon to delete a filter.

I’ve got some data which I would like to view on LENZA. How do I do this?

Click on the green ‘Upload Data’ button in the right-hand side panel of the map interface. You can upload shapefiles, CSVs and geoJSONs. Your data will be listed under the Local Data folder. This section is private to you and cannot be seen by other users unless you manually share the dataset with other users, or adjust the dataset permissions in the ‘Manage Access’ panel (only available to administrators). Note: Datasets can take 5-15 minutes to upload depending on size. If your dataset is very large, you might need to click the refresh button to see your dataset after you have waited for it to upload.

Projects

How do we share information with colleagues in the same organisation?

When you create a project, it will only be visible to you until you choose to share it. To share a project with a team member to collaborate on, you need to navigate My Projects, then select the ‘share’ icon next to your project, beside the ‘edit’ and trash can icons. You will then be prompted to add an email address, and select either ‘view’ or ‘edit’ permissions for your colleague.

Once you have shared your project, your colleague will receive an email confirming the project has been shared and will be able to see this project when logged into your LA dashboard. The original project creator is the owner of the project and can edit permissions or access at any time.

Can we model large scale Projects in LENZA?

It's in our future development plans to develop larger scale projects. We also plan to increase the amount of kW which can be added to the map via the capacity slider in Projects to reflect the impact on the grid if you were to execute larger scale projects. Currently the capacity slider has a limit of '2000 kW' which can be added to the map, to illustrate what happens to the available headroom on the grid.

When exploring secondary substations spare capacity, more often than not adding 2000kW limit is enough to turn most, if not all, polygons red, indicating that the grid in these areas will become more than 5% overloaded. This is an indicative guide to help you work out where to plan your projects, based on static data. We encourage you not to let overloaded substations prevent you from carrying out long term planning in specific areas, but instead share those plans through LENZA (via the ‘submit to DNO function in your project summary) to inform SSEN’s DFES forecasts. Feel free to also contact your SSEN Engagement Specialists to discuss your plans.

How do I plan a new housing development using LENZA?

We are currently working on an option to bulk deploy domestic assets. Currently you can deploy Domestic properties one at a time via Projects, which will instantly assume a 22kW demand for the property. You will then be able to add other new technology assets to the domestic asset, such as EV chargers, Rooftop PV, and Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps. Just like with any other project, you will then be able to run an assessment and view the carbon savings and costs associated with your project.

How did you come up with the cost and carbon savings reported in projects?

This linked article highlights all of the sources we use to base our cost assumptions. https://intercom-help.eu/advanced-infrastructure/en/articles/141514-cost-estimations.

View the methodology for all of our modelled datasets here:https://intercom-help.eu/lenza-help-center/en/collections/231157-dataset-assumptions

What does SSEN do with our Projects after we've shared them?

Once you submit a Project or Scenario, this will be sent to your SSEN Engagement Specialist. This will then be shared internally to help SSEN forecast where grid demand will be concentrated, which will inform their network investments. Sharing your plans will influence SSEN’s DFES forecasts to be more representative of your region and your plans.

Scenarios

Do Scenario results update when datasets are updated?

Your Scenarios will not automatically be updated when we update our datasets. You would need to re-run the Scenario for the latest data to be used to calculate your Scenario.

What does SSEN do with our Scenarios after we've shared them?

Once you submit a Project or Scenario, this will be sent to your SSEN Engagement Specialist. This will then be shared internally to help SSEN forecast where grid demand will be concentrated, which will inform their network investments. Sharing your plans will influence SSEN’s DFES forecasts to be more representative of your region and your plans.

Admin, Access and Visibility

What if our area is covered by multiple DNOs?

The key functionalities of the LAEP tool used by both SSEN and UKPN are the same. As each DNO has worked independently with Advanced Infrastructure to determine what Datasets and information should be added to the tool, these may vary between the tools. You should have access to both platforms, however you’ll be able to see data for your full region in both tools (excluding Utility Network data, which will only cover the licence area of the DNO).

If I have a County Authority view, do I have access to all the LA instances within the county or do I have to request access to each LA?

As a county authority, you will have a unique dashboard view, which will share the data for the wider region. You will not automatically be granted access to each unique local authority within the county however this can be set up if it is a preference. Elements such as Projects and Scenarios can only be shared within each local authority’s dashboard, so if you’re looking to collaborate on these with specific authorities, you will need access to their dashboard.

Can we see datasets for other Local Authority areas?

No, you won't be able to see any data for local authorities outside of your own. If you are working in collaboration with another council, you may want to access their data. The administrator within that council is able to invite you to their dashboard in order to view this data. You can switch between local authority dashboards via the small icon in the bottom left corner, above the ‘log out’ button. Alternatively you could use Data Stories to share Projects or data with others, providing them with visibility of your plans and the option to provide feedback.

What is MFA?

Multi-factor authentication is a way of ensuring additional security for your data. Every time you sign in, you will need to enter the 6-digit verification code shown in your chosen Authenticator app or sent to you via text.

I have lost the phone or changed the number I use for MFA sign in. What should I do to access my account?

There are ways to migrate your authentication, or we can reset your account for you, allowing you to sign up again with a new phone number. Here is an article to help you migrate authentication: Migrating authentication - lost or new phone, or new mobile number

If you need help, feel free to reach out to us via Live Chat.

Support

How do I report any issues or request new features?

In the bottom right-hand corner there is a chat bubble. Click here and select 'Messages' then 'send us a message'. You’ll have the option to 'share feedback', 'get help' or 'report a bug'. Select whichever is appropriate and we will receive the message on our end. It’s always helpful to provide as much detail as possible and screenshots where relevant.

What is Beta?

A Beta phase is a stage in the development lifecycle of a tool before official release. Some users are invited to test tools during this phase to support optimisation and improvement of features. It is expected that during Beta bugs are more common and functionality is subject to updates and changes more often than in Live. There is also more scope to rapidly iterate, develop and test new features that Beta users request.

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