Introduction to SimplyAnalytics - Video Tutorials

SimplyAnalytics is a web-based data visualization application that can be used to create simple thematic maps and support analyses of socio-demographic data. This tutorial introduces SimplyAnalytics and its capabilities with the help of videos produced by our colleagues at UTSC.

Step 1: Accessing SimplyAnalytics

In this video, you will learn how to access SimplyAnalytics with your UTORid and password. You can find the index link for SimplyAnalytics by using the search function on the University of Toronto Libraries website.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/05c7a317683584d7fdc0f16bd2c004a5

Step 2: Setting up a project

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utoronto.ca?url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/ref/dict/azindex-eng.cfm

Below, you will learn how to set up a new project using SimplyAnalytics. At the end of this video, you will be able to understand the difference between Canadian census geography units while working with the Toronto Census Metro Area (CMA) in your new SimplyAnalytics project.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/9fe718f7a53a842ff2dfc36412a91521

Step 3: Creating a thematic map

This step is broken down into three separate videos, each demonstrating the work involved in creating a thematic map.

In the first video, you will learn how to a) navigate and explore the map; and b) select a variable.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/55ff44ca54b21d8f49d7e664c6e881d1

In the next video, you will learn how to c) refine the location by moving across geographic units, creating a combination location, and creating a radius location.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/e3af8c0e59ed5a2808ae3673f28001f0

In the final video for this step, you will learn how to d) use the legend editor; and e) manage maps in SimplyAnalytics.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/74bb642f0ca6b72348838b00aad5081e

Step 4: Mapping business locations

This step will show you how to map businesses using the Businesses tab in SimplyAnalytics.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/a24524218ca003e20d7a69734b78afbe

Step 5: Options for exporting maps

This step explores the options available for exporting maps in SimplyAnalytics. At the end of this video, you will be able to export your map as a PDF file.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/18ea3eaa988d3c1c70b185ea95d3c399

Step 6: Creating reports

This step is broken down into three separate videos that are accompanied by two exercises.

In the first video, you will learn how to a) create a business report. This video includes an exercise where you will be tasked with generating and exporting a business report.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/f1c2c29144079e137306e27ea7897237

The next video will teach you how to b) create a comparative report, allowing you to compare data across locations and variables.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/1fcd4867a0d3f59d0254ef53712629be

In the final video for this step, you will learn how to c) create a ranking report, which provides a table view useful for comparing data for all geographic units within a location, ranking them by your chosen variable. This video is accompanied by an exercise, providing you with the opportunity to explore the various report types offered by SimplyAnalytics.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/7c4f6035486cd379037361fb39327ccf

Step 7: Getting help

In the final video for this tutorial, you will be introduced to the SimplyAnalytics Help Center and the supports available through the Map and Data Library.

https://play.library.utoronto.ca/embed/81fd7f94de65c18fefa454a6fca81721

If you have any questions about using SimplyAnalytics or need more general support, please email us at mdl@library.utoronto.ca or fill out our support request form. If you’d like in-person assistance, please review our hours.

Please also feel free to consult these official guides from SimplyAnalytics:

Technique: Data Visualization, Mapping

Tools: SimplyAnalytics