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Frequently Asked Questions
Help Document
Q. How do I find the Help Document for STDBonline?
A. Click here for the Help Document or visit the Tutorials page for that and many other helpful tutorials.
Map WIDGET and Zoom Tool
Q. If I cannot get an address to map, what is the best course of action?
A. Try eliminating directional coordinates (north, east, south, west), or street type designations (street, parkway, highway,etc.)
MAP CAPTURE
Q. Can I print the maps with the base layers turned on? How?
A. Yes, Choose map capture top left of your screen, click capture image will be saved as a jpeg.
MAPPING
Q. What are shaded Relief Maps?
A. A raster image that shows changes in elevation using light and shadows on terrain from a given angle and altitude of the sun.
Q. How old are your satellite images?
A. Satellite maps are no more than 2 years old. Most metropolitan areas are updated more frequently.
Q. How do I view street names on an aerial image?
A. Select Hybrid under map type.
MAP LAYERS
Q. How do I add traffic counts to the map?
A. Click on “map layers” and choose the layers you would like to add I.E. traffic counts.
THEMATIC MAPPING
Q. What is a thematic Map?
A. A map designed to convey information about a single topic or theme, such as population density or geology.
Q. What is the difference between quantile and equal interval methods?
A. Quantile classifies the data into a certain number of categories with an equal number of units in each category. Equal Interval is a method that sets the value ranges to equal in each category.
Q. Where can I get more information on Tapestry segmentation?
A. http://www.esri.com/library/brochures/pdfs/tapestry-segmentation.pdf
Q. Where can I find Crime Information?
A. Crime Data can be found within the Thematic Mapping Tool.
Q. What is a Block Group?
A. A unit of U.S. census geography that is a combination of census blocks. A block group is the smallest unit for which the U.S. Census Bureau reports a full range of demographic statistics. There are about 700 residents per block group. A block group is a subdivision of a census tract.
Q. What are Census Tracts?
A. A small, statistical subdivision of a county that usually includes approximately 4,000 inhabitants but may include from 2,500 to 8,000 inhabitants. A census tract is designed to encompass a population with relatively uniform economic status, living conditions, and some demographic characteristics. Tract boundaries normally follow physical features but may also follow administrative boundaries or other nonphysical features.
STUDY AREA
Q. What is a donut (band)?
A. Donuts are study areas that are cut out like donuts with no overlap. Donut rings offer the traditional ring study without duplication of overlapping areas. A site with 1, 3 and 5 mile donuts will calculate statistics using the following three areas:
0 – 1 mile area
1 – 3 mile area
3 – 5 mile area
The maximum parameter for donuts is 300 miles; the minimum parameter is .1 miles. Donuts automatically default to 1, 3 and 5 miles; however, the user can modify default parameters via “Edit Preferences” workflow.
Q. What is a ring (radii)?
A. Rings (radii) are the most widely used type of market-area analysis, in which a circle is generated around an area of a map; then the underlying demographics are extracted from the area delineated by the circle. Rings are calculated as circles using your site as the center point. A site with 1, 3 and 5 mile rings will calculate statistics using the following three areas:
0 – 1 mile area
0 – 3 mile area
0 – 5 mile area
The maximum parameter for rings is 300 miles; the minimum parameter is .1 miles. Rings automatically default to 1, 3 and 5 miles; however, the user can modify default parameters via “Edit Preferences” workflow.
Q. What is CBSA?
A. An acronym for Core Based Statistical A geographic region containing at least one urban area with a population of at least 10,000, defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for use by federal statistical agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau. A core-based statistical area can be a metropolitan statistical area or a micropolitan statistical area.
Q. What is DMA?
A. An acronym for Designated Market Area. A television market as defined by Nielsen Media Research. Most DMAs correspond to whole counties, but there are a few exceptions where counties are split into different DMAs.
Q. How do I create a polygon as a study area?
A. Begin by zooming in on the map to the area you want to draw, Open the Task Menu and select Create a Study Area. When the work flow opens at the top of the page, select "Draw on Map". Left click to begin the polygon, click along the outside points of the relevant study area in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion. To connect the last two points double click.
Q. Can I edit the polygon and line shapes once they have been drawn?
A. No, you must start over and redraw polygon.
Q. What happens when I cross my lines in a polygon?
A. The polygon will not be created. You must click cancel and start again.
Q. Can I change the color of my study areas?
A. Not at this time.
Q. Can I change the fill color of a polygon in a study area?
A. Not at this time.
Q. What is the maximum parameter for Rings and Donuts?
A. Three-Hundred (300) miles.
Q. What is the minimum parameter for Rings and Donuts?
A. One-Tenth (0.1) of a mile.
Q. What is the maximum parameter for drive time polygons?
A. Sixty (60) Minutes.
Q. What is the minimum parameter for drive time polygons?
A. Two (2) Minutes.
Q. How can the black crosshairs be removed from the image?
A. There is no way to remove the crosshairs from the map.
REPORTS
Q. How do I load my logo so it will show up on your reports?
A. From the Task Manager click on Edit Preferences click Manage report Logos (jpg or png file must not exceed 250X250 pixels.
Q. How long are reports saved in the data manager?
A. Reports are purged every 60 days.
Q. How do I delete reports in my account?
A. From the Data Manager select Reports, click on report to highlight, select trash can at the top of the page confirm deletion.
Q. Do you offer a cover letter report?
A. Not at this time.
Q. What size Company logo can I upload for my reports?
A. Company logos must not exceed 250X250 pixels.
Q. How can I open multiple .pdf files at once within the data manager?
A. Select multiple reports by clicking shift and the down/up key to highlight multiple reports. Click on the adobe logo titled “get selected reports as .pdf.
Q. What format can comparison reports be run?
A. Comparison reports can only be run in excel (.xls) format.
Q. How many study areas can be created to compare using a comparison report?
A. Up to 5 sites can be compared at once.
Q. Where can I find daytime population information?
A. Daytime population can be found in the top right corner of the Business Summary Report.
BUSINESS LISTS
Q. What is NAICS?
A. An acronym for North American Industry Classification System used by business and government to classify and measure economic activity in Canada, Mexico and the United States. It was released in 1997 and has largely replaced the older Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system; however, certain government departments and agencies, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), still use the SIC codes. The NAICS numbering system is a six-digit code. The first five digits are generally (although not always strictly) the same in all three countries. The last digit designates national industries. The first two digits designate the largest business sector, the third digit designates the subsector, the fourth digit designates the industry group, and the fifth digit designates particular industries. If this option is selected, the report will only include businesses that match the selected NAICS codes.
Q. What is SIC?
A. An acronym for Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) is a United States government system for classifying industries by a four-digit code. Established in 1937, it is being supplemented by the six-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). If this option is selected, the report will only include businesses that match the selected SIC codes.
Q. Where can you find a list of NAICS/SIC codes?
A. http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/
USER POINTS
Q. Do you have a National Retail Logo Database?
A. Yes, go to www. stdbinfo.com>2009 Presentations>business logos.
Q. How many user points can be uploaded at one time?
A. 100
Q. What size business/store logos can be uploaded as user points?
A. Logos must not exceed 30x30 pixels.
Q. How do I change the size of an image?
A. Refer to the tutorial page on this site for detailed instructions for PC and MAC users.
MAP PRESENTATIONS
Q. How do I remove the shaded area of a polygon?
A. LEFT click your mouse on the polygon you wish to change transparency. Choose the fill transparency tool, slide bar to correct fill.
Q. When adding imagery to the map what format is acceptable?
A. .jpeg or .png must not exceed 500 X 500 pixels.
Q. How do I edit text in the subject arrow?
A. Choose an arrow without text. LEFT click select edit text and begin typing.
Q. How many images may I upload to a map presentation?
A. Eight (8)
Q. How many predefined shapes can I create?
A. Twenty (20) including text.
Q. How many polygons or polylines may be created?
A. Five (5)
Q. How many Arrows may be added to one map?
A. Eight (8)
Q. What is the total number of saved annotations?
A. Ten (10)
Q. Once I save the annotated map can I still zoom in and out within the saved file?
A. Yes, but the annotations will not adjust accordingly.
Q. If I have 2 saved map annotations, can I merge them?
A. You cannot merge them but you may activate 2 study areas at one time.
Q. How can I exceed the maximum number of images or logos uploaded on a map?
A. Save the annotated set and create a new annotation set on top of it.
Q. When I capture a completed annotated map, does it capture what is on the screen?
A. Yes
Q. What format do pictures or logos need to be?
A. jpeg or png
PICTOMETRY
Q. How often are oblique Pictometry images updated?
A. Pictometry images are no more than 2 years old. Most metropolitan area are updated more frequently.
Q. Are oblique Pictometry images available nationwide?
A. Oblique Pictometry images are available in most heavily populated areas .
Q. Can I change the angle that pictometry images are viewable?
A. No, you can rotate the images 90 degrees, but cannot change the vertical angle.
DATA MANAGER
Q. Can I change the name of my study area once you have it created? If so, how?
A. From the Data Manager click on the name of report and rename.
Q. How long are study areas stored?
A. Study areas stay in the data manger indefinitely.
Q. How long are user points stored?
A. User Points stay in the data manger indefinitely.
Q. How long are map annotations stored?
A. Map Annotations stay in the data manger indefinitely.
Q. How long are reports stored?
A. Reports are purged from the Data Manager 60 days after they are created. To save the data, simply open the reports and save to your computer.
TRAINING/CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Q. Do you have online tutorials?
A. http://ccimtechlearningcenter.com Go to Tutorials page and choose your tutorial.
Q. Do you offer Training?
A. Yes, A variety of options to include Live or Archived webinars training videos, tutorials or live presentations scheduled through your local CCIM chapters.
Q. Where can I find past webinars?
A. We have archived webinars located at http://ccimtechlearningcenter.com
Q. Do you have a library of sample presentations, reports?
A. Yes, go to http://ccimtechlearningcenter.com
Q. I need to change my user ID. How?
A. Call or email STDB support at 469.232.2615 or email: sasupport@stdbonline.com
Q. What if I have questions about the data and STDB products?
A. Our customer service and sales staff will be happy to assist you in determining how STDB can best serve your information needs. Call 469.232.2615.
Q. What if I need technical support?
A. Free technical support is available during our regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 CST Call 469.232.2615 or email: sasupport@stdbonline.com
Q. How often is data updated?
A. Most data is updated annually however some data sets receive Quarterly updates such as the Business List data.
Q. Can I share my subscription or login with other people?
A. STDBonline subscriptions have been designed and priced for single users. There are controls that prevent simultaneous usage by more than one person using the same password. Discounts are available for multiple users within an organization. Speak to one of our sales associates at 469.232.2608 or contact us via our online contact form.
Q. What types of subscriptions are offered for multiple users?
A. We will work with you to develop a subscription plan based on your specific needs, e.g., number of users, number of workstations, data licensing etc. For more information on multiple user subscriptions, Speak to one of our sales associates at 469.232.2608 or contact us via using our online contact form.
Help Document
Q. How do I find the Help Document for STDBonline?
A. Click here for the Help Document or visit the Tutorials page for that and many other helpful tutorials.
Map WIDGET and Zoom Tool
Q. If I cannot get an address to map, what is the best course of action?
A. Try eliminating directional coordinates (north, east, south, west), or street type designations (street, parkway, highway,etc.)
MAP CAPTURE
Q. Can I print the maps with the base layers turned on? How?
A. Yes, Choose map capture top left of your screen, click capture image will be saved as a jpeg.
MAPPING
Q. What are shaded Relief Maps?
A. A raster image that shows changes in elevation using light and shadows on terrain from a given angle and altitude of the sun.
Q. How old are your satellite images?
A. Satellite maps are no more than 2 years old. Most metropolitan areas are updated more frequently.
Q. How do I view street names on an aerial image?
A. Select Hybrid under map type.
MAP LAYERS
Q. How do I add traffic counts to the map?
A. Click on “map layers” and choose the layers you would like to add I.E. traffic counts.
THEMATIC MAPPING
Q. What is a thematic Map?
A. A map designed to convey information about a single topic or theme, such as population density or geology.
Q. What is the difference between quantile and equal interval methods?
A. Quantile classifies the data into a certain number of categories with an equal number of units in each category. Equal Interval is a method that sets the value ranges to equal in each category.
Q. Where can I get more information on Tapestry segmentation?
A. http://www.esri.com/library/brochures/pdfs/tapestry-segmentation.pdf
Q. Where can I find Crime Information?
A. Crime Data can be found within the Thematic Mapping Tool.
Q. What is a Block Group?
A. A unit of U.S. census geography that is a combination of census blocks. A block group is the smallest unit for which the U.S. Census Bureau reports a full range of demographic statistics. There are about 700 residents per block group. A block group is a subdivision of a census tract.
Q. What are Census Tracts?
A. A small, statistical subdivision of a county that usually includes approximately 4,000 inhabitants but may include from 2,500 to 8,000 inhabitants. A census tract is designed to encompass a population with relatively uniform economic status, living conditions, and some demographic characteristics. Tract boundaries normally follow physical features but may also follow administrative boundaries or other nonphysical features.
STUDY AREA
Q. What is a donut (band)?
A. Donuts are study areas that are cut out like donuts with no overlap. Donut rings offer the traditional ring study without duplication of overlapping areas. A site with 1, 3 and 5 mile donuts will calculate statistics using the following three areas:
0 – 1 mile area
1 – 3 mile area
3 – 5 mile area
The maximum parameter for donuts is 300 miles; the minimum parameter is .1 miles. Donuts automatically default to 1, 3 and 5 miles; however, the user can modify default parameters via “Edit Preferences” workflow.
Q. What is a ring (radii)?
A. Rings (radii) are the most widely used type of market-area analysis, in which a circle is generated around an area of a map; then the underlying demographics are extracted from the area delineated by the circle. Rings are calculated as circles using your site as the center point. A site with 1, 3 and 5 mile rings will calculate statistics using the following three areas:
0 – 1 mile area
0 – 3 mile area
0 – 5 mile area
The maximum parameter for rings is 300 miles; the minimum parameter is .1 miles. Rings automatically default to 1, 3 and 5 miles; however, the user can modify default parameters via “Edit Preferences” workflow.
Q. What is CBSA?
A. An acronym for Core Based Statistical A geographic region containing at least one urban area with a population of at least 10,000, defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for use by federal statistical agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau. A core-based statistical area can be a metropolitan statistical area or a micropolitan statistical area.
Q. What is DMA?
A. An acronym for Designated Market Area. A television market as defined by Nielsen Media Research. Most DMAs correspond to whole counties, but there are a few exceptions where counties are split into different DMAs.
Q. How do I create a polygon as a study area?
A. Begin by zooming in on the map to the area you want to draw, Open the Task Menu and select Create a Study Area. When the work flow opens at the top of the page, select "Draw on Map". Left click to begin the polygon, click along the outside points of the relevant study area in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion. To connect the last two points double click.
Q. Can I edit the polygon and line shapes once they have been drawn?
A. No, you must start over and redraw polygon.
Q. What happens when I cross my lines in a polygon?
A. The polygon will not be created. You must click cancel and start again.
Q. Can I change the color of my study areas?
A. Not at this time.
Q. Can I change the fill color of a polygon in a study area?
A. Not at this time.
Q. What is the maximum parameter for Rings and Donuts?
A. Three-Hundred (300) miles.
Q. What is the minimum parameter for Rings and Donuts?
A. One-Tenth (0.1) of a mile.
Q. What is the maximum parameter for drive time polygons?
A. Sixty (60) Minutes.
Q. What is the minimum parameter for drive time polygons?
A. Two (2) Minutes.
Q. How can the black crosshairs be removed from the image?
A. There is no way to remove the crosshairs from the map.
REPORTS
Q. How do I load my logo so it will show up on your reports?
A. From the Task Manager click on Edit Preferences click Manage report Logos (jpg or png file must not exceed 250X250 pixels.
Q. How long are reports saved in the data manager?
A. Reports are purged every 60 days.
Q. How do I delete reports in my account?
A. From the Data Manager select Reports, click on report to highlight, select trash can at the top of the page confirm deletion.
Q. Do you offer a cover letter report?
A. Not at this time.
Q. What size Company logo can I upload for my reports?
A. Company logos must not exceed 250X250 pixels.
Q. How can I open multiple .pdf files at once within the data manager?
A. Select multiple reports by clicking shift and the down/up key to highlight multiple reports. Click on the adobe logo titled “get selected reports as .pdf.
Q. What format can comparison reports be run?
A. Comparison reports can only be run in excel (.xls) format.
Q. How many study areas can be created to compare using a comparison report?
A. Up to 5 sites can be compared at once.
Q. Where can I find daytime population information?
A. Daytime population can be found in the top right corner of the Business Summary Report.
BUSINESS LISTS
Q. What is NAICS?
A. An acronym for North American Industry Classification System used by business and government to classify and measure economic activity in Canada, Mexico and the United States. It was released in 1997 and has largely replaced the older Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system; however, certain government departments and agencies, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), still use the SIC codes. The NAICS numbering system is a six-digit code. The first five digits are generally (although not always strictly) the same in all three countries. The last digit designates national industries. The first two digits designate the largest business sector, the third digit designates the subsector, the fourth digit designates the industry group, and the fifth digit designates particular industries. If this option is selected, the report will only include businesses that match the selected NAICS codes.
Q. What is SIC?
A. An acronym for Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) is a United States government system for classifying industries by a four-digit code. Established in 1937, it is being supplemented by the six-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). If this option is selected, the report will only include businesses that match the selected SIC codes.
Q. Where can you find a list of NAICS/SIC codes?
A. http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/
USER POINTS
Q. Do you have a National Retail Logo Database?
A. Yes, go to www. stdbinfo.com>2009 Presentations>business logos.
Q. How many user points can be uploaded at one time?
A. 100
Q. What size business/store logos can be uploaded as user points?
A. Logos must not exceed 30x30 pixels.
Q. How do I change the size of an image?
A. Refer to the tutorial page on this site for detailed instructions for PC and MAC users.
MAP PRESENTATIONS
Q. How do I remove the shaded area of a polygon?
A. LEFT click your mouse on the polygon you wish to change transparency. Choose the fill transparency tool, slide bar to correct fill.
Q. When adding imagery to the map what format is acceptable?
A. .jpeg or .png must not exceed 500 X 500 pixels.
Q. How do I edit text in the subject arrow?
A. Choose an arrow without text. LEFT click select edit text and begin typing.
Q. How many images may I upload to a map presentation?
A. Eight (8)
Q. How many predefined shapes can I create?
A. Twenty (20) including text.
Q. How many polygons or polylines may be created?
A. Five (5)
Q. How many Arrows may be added to one map?
A. Eight (8)
Q. What is the total number of saved annotations?
A. Ten (10)
Q. Once I save the annotated map can I still zoom in and out within the saved file?
A. Yes, but the annotations will not adjust accordingly.
Q. If I have 2 saved map annotations, can I merge them?
A. You cannot merge them but you may activate 2 study areas at one time.
Q. How can I exceed the maximum number of images or logos uploaded on a map?
A. Save the annotated set and create a new annotation set on top of it.
Q. When I capture a completed annotated map, does it capture what is on the screen?
A. Yes
Q. What format do pictures or logos need to be?
A. jpeg or png
PICTOMETRY
Q. How often are oblique Pictometry images updated?
A. Pictometry images are no more than 2 years old. Most metropolitan area are updated more frequently.
Q. Are oblique Pictometry images available nationwide?
A. Oblique Pictometry images are available in most heavily populated areas .
Q. Can I change the angle that pictometry images are viewable?
A. No, you can rotate the images 90 degrees, but cannot change the vertical angle.
DATA MANAGER
Q. Can I change the name of my study area once you have it created? If so, how?
A. From the Data Manager click on the name of report and rename.
Q. How long are study areas stored?
A. Study areas stay in the data manger indefinitely.
Q. How long are user points stored?
A. User Points stay in the data manger indefinitely.
Q. How long are map annotations stored?
A. Map Annotations stay in the data manger indefinitely.
Q. How long are reports stored?
A. Reports are purged from the Data Manager 60 days after they are created. To save the data, simply open the reports and save to your computer.
TRAINING/CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Q. Do you have online tutorials?
A. http://ccimtechlearningcenter.com Go to Tutorials page and choose your tutorial.
Q. Do you offer Training?
A. Yes, A variety of options to include Live or Archived webinars training videos, tutorials or live presentations scheduled through your local CCIM chapters.
Q. Where can I find past webinars?
A. We have archived webinars located at http://ccimtechlearningcenter.com
Q. Do you have a library of sample presentations, reports?
A. Yes, go to http://ccimtechlearningcenter.com
Q. I need to change my user ID. How?
A. Call or email STDB support at 469.232.2615 or email: sasupport@stdbonline.com
Q. What if I have questions about the data and STDB products?
A. Our customer service and sales staff will be happy to assist you in determining how STDB can best serve your information needs. Call 469.232.2615.
Q. What if I need technical support?
A. Free technical support is available during our regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 CST Call 469.232.2615 or email: sasupport@stdbonline.com
Q. How often is data updated?
A. Most data is updated annually however some data sets receive Quarterly updates such as the Business List data.
Q. Can I share my subscription or login with other people?
A. STDBonline subscriptions have been designed and priced for single users. There are controls that prevent simultaneous usage by more than one person using the same password. Discounts are available for multiple users within an organization. Speak to one of our sales associates at 469.232.2608 or contact us via our online contact form.
Q. What types of subscriptions are offered for multiple users?
A. We will work with you to develop a subscription plan based on your specific needs, e.g., number of users, number of workstations, data licensing etc. For more information on multiple user subscriptions, Speak to one of our sales associates at 469.232.2608 or contact us via using our online contact form.