Be informed, be involved, start exploring

DECISIONMAP.IE is a free online resource which has been created by Ordnance Survey Ireland and Twelve Horses Ltd with the goal of encouraging enhanced use of publically available data to aid decision making in the public and private sector. We believe that decisions based on data are better decisions. What we’ve tried to do with DECISIONMAP.IE is to make the data more accessible and easier to use. DecisionMap uses trusted, publically available data sources in conjunction with interactive maps and visualisations to create a unique online resource. We want you to use DecisionMap to literally see the important statistical data you need about Ireland.

Use DecisionMap to aid decision making and planning. Use it to find customers. Use it to plan resources. Start exploring.

Case Study 1

"Ghost estates" provide an example of how this website could be used in decision-making. Currently, the data on these estates is compiled by the Housing Agency of the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government in the Unfinished Houses Developments Register. By incorporating this data into DecisionMap.ie, it can then be put in the context of other important decision-making criteria such as geographic location, infrastructure, population and employment trends. The ability to bring these multiple sources of data together in a single information map enables better and more efficient decisions to be made based on the demographics of the area. Similarly, businesses will now be able to identify customers and patterns with precision, allowing for the greater tailoring of marketing strategies. Read more here:

Case Study 2

Decisionmap.ie helps to match demographic data with geographic information. For example, if a retailer wanted to identify the best location for a new premise he could use Decisionmap.ie to help identify the type of customer he wants to attract by viewing the census information on population, education and social-class etc. He can then easily identify the areas with the highest density of his target customer group and use the map viewer to understand a more about the local geography and infrastructure. By understanding the neighbourhood the retailer can make decisions about the best way to connect with these new potential customers. Read more here:

Case Study 3

Decisionmap.ie allows front line managers easy access to complex statistical data that otherwise might be difficult to access and interpret. For example, if a public health worker wanted to plan a health intervention in an area of concern, they could use Decisionmap.ie to view the relevant census data such as age, car ownership, modes of transport etc to help build the case that the that the intervention would have to be deliver at a local level, because the underlying demographic suggested that the target population would be unable to travel to a centralised location. Decisionmap.ie has simplified access to the data required to make this case, and the interface is intuitive and allows users to share their findings, which can be included in business case reports to support recommendations. Read more here: