> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://chagos.gitbook.io/parish-online/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://chagos.gitbook.io/parish-online/parish-online-banter-sessions/260501-01may26-session-26-18.md). # 260501 - 01May26 session 26-18 Neighbourhood Plans, add columns to existing layers, use of Table View, adjustiing Style for transparency, use of Search to find layers, woodland corridors, Queen's Canopy, Constraints Checker *** ### Meeting Summary - session 26-18 May 01, 2026 01:55 PM London ID: 897 5877 7706 ### Quick recap This meeting was a support session where Frank, a member of a parish council working on a neighbourhood plan in Essex, sought help with using Parish Online GIS software. Graham, John, and Stuart provided guidance on various features including adding new columns to data tables, adjusting transparency and styling of layers, using the search function, and working with green infrastructure datasets. The team discussed how to import data from the district council, with Graham advising Frank to contact the council's client services department rather than the IT department, as they have legislative obligations to provide the requested information. They also covered topics like copying layers, working with woodland corridors data, and the constraints checker tool, while addressing Frank's concerns about data visibility and privacy settings within the system. ### Next steps * Frank: Contact the District Council's client services department to request relevant GIS data (including shapefiles) for import into Parish Online, and copy Parish Online on correspondence to facilitate automated updates. * Frank: Send any spreadsheets or location data (including possible KML files) to the Parish Online Help Desk for import into the parish account as new layers. * Graham: Investigate the snapping functionality in Parish Online and follow up with findings (implied by "I'm just going to do some investigation into snapping whilst we're online"). ### Summary #### Historic House and Archaeology Discussion Frank and Graham discussed Frank's historic house built in 1304, which was likely constructed for a bailiff who managed the nearby pre-Norman castle. Frank shared that he had conducted archaeological digs on the castle site last summer, uncovering stone work that confirmed the castle's existence. Frank mentioned his interest in archaeology and other activities. #### Neighbourhood Plan Data Access Discussion Frank discussed his involvement in creating a neighbourhood plan for his village and his interest in using Parish Online to display polygons and import data from the district council. He sought advice on obtaining council data, and Graham suggested contacting the client services department, as they are legally obligated to provide the necessary information. Graham also explained that the client services department has the authority to ensure the council meets its obligations. The conversation ended with Graham inviting Frank to share his screen to demonstrate his specific needs. #### Adding Columns to Data Table Frank and Graham discussed how to add new columns to a data table in Parish Online. Graham guided Frank through the process, explaining how to access the administration settings and add a new text column to the desired layer. They also covered how to reorganize and sort the columns within the table. The conversation ended with Frank asking about refreshing the table, though the specific details were not provided in the transcript. #### System Transparency and Styling Adjustments Graham and Frank discussed how to adjust transparency and styling in their system. Graham explained that transparency settings are managed through the style button and apply to the base layer, while color changes are made through the styling options. They discovered a new transparency button in the styling page, which Stuart confirmed he hadn't previously seen. Frank learned about the difference between single and class-based styling options, with class-based allowing colors to be based on specific columns like site codes. #### Mapping System Technical Troubleshooting Frank discussed technical issues with screen refresh and polygon display in a mapping system, which Graham helped troubleshoot. Frank learned how to search for and access green infrastructure layers through the system's search function, with Graham and Stuart clarifying that while neighborhood planning data is preset, it requires actual data entry to display results. Graham explained that published layers cannot be directly updated by users but suggested contacting the data providers to report inaccuracies and propose changes. #### Woodland Corridors Dataset Discussion Frank and Graham discussed using a woodland corridors dataset in their mapping work. Graham explained how to duplicate and create new layers in the system, noting that public layers cannot be duplicated but can be traced onto new transparent layers. Graham also mentioned the People's Emergency Briefing initiative, which aims to increase biodiversity through the creation of animal corridors, suggesting that Frank's team could use the woodland corridors data to help connect existing green spaces in their parish. Frank confirmed that someone in his organization had conducted a green audit of the parish and would find this dataset useful for mapping purposes. #### Paris Online Platform Training Session Graham provided guidance to Frank on using Paris Online, specifically demonstrating how to access and navigate various data layers, including Friends of the Earth layers and Natural England's woodland corridors. Graham showed Frank how to identify active layers by looking for circular symbols around layer icons and recommended turning off aerial photography to better view certain maps. The session concluded with Frank acknowledging that he needed more time to consolidate his learning and understand the platform's features better. #### Mapping Software Polygon Features Discussion The group discussed using mapping software to create and manipulate polygons, with John providing guidance on zooming, clicking, and following boundary lines. Stuart explained that snapping functionality works with OS Master Map data to align with existing points, though John noted he had not successfully achieved automatic snapping. The conversation concluded with Graham investigating the snapping feature in the knowledge base while Frank learned about neighborhood planning, which primarily involves aligning maps with local plans. #### Parish Online System Features Discussion The group discussed Parish Online's constraint checking features, particularly property density calculations, which Frank noted is higher than desired for their rural area. Graham explained how to use the system's data import capabilities, noting that while direct import isn't available to users, the help desk can assist with importing spreadsheet data and shapefiles from district councils. The discussion also covered data privacy features, clarifying that parish-specific layers are only visible to authenticated parish users, while collaborative layers like cemeteries have different visibility rules for boundaries versus individual plots.