We are steadily adding functionality to the site as we approach the official launch of elementsdb. These efforts include the development of guides for both site users and contributers that we hope you will find helpful. Please contact us via the link on the footer with any comments. We thank you for taking an interest in our work.
Preface
Tutorials: Using elementsdb
Take a tour through the web site and learn the basics of browsing and searching.
Tutorials: Creating elementsdb cases
Take a tour through the web site and learn the basics of case creation.
Glossary
Familiarize yourself with the terminology used on this web site. Many definitions and methods are also explained when you mouse over the fields.
FAQs
Find answers to your questions about accounts, searching, and our methods. This page is under construction.
Take a tour through the web site and learn the basics of browsing and searching.
Introduction to elementsdb:
How to Browse:
How to Search:
Creating a Case Set:
How to Make a Neighbourhood Model:
Creating elementsdb cases
Learn the basics of creating elementsdb cases.
Learn the basics of case creation.
1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction to the elementsdb Support Folder
Supporting documents and files:
- elementsdb Support Folder
- Naming and Numbering Cases
1.2 Introduction to the Buildings Case Folder
2. Case creation for parcel cases
2.1 How to Create Floors Layer
2.2 How to Create Overview Layer
2.3 How to create Massing Layer
2.4 How to Create Envelope Layer
2.5 How to Create Plan Canopy Layer
2.6 How to Create Plan Cover layer
2.7 How to Create Plan CoverM Layer
2.8 How to Create Plan Use Layer
3. Finalizing the case folder
3.1 How to Complete the Building Case Folder
3.2 How to Upload a Warehouse Building Case
Familiarize yourself with the terminology used on this web site. Many definitions and methods are also explained when you mouse over the fields.
General Terminology Used in this Database
Land Use Classifications
Open Space Classifications
Building Classifications
Street Classifications
Definitions of Measures
GENERAL TERMINOLOGY USED IN THIS DATABASE 
Land Use - Broad classification denoting the primary use of a particular parcel of land. This database includes: open space, streets, residential, commercial, civic and industrial.
Model North - “North” or up orientation of the plan and 3D model. The model south edge is typically the primary entrance to the site or building. This may not concur with true north. See “Context” image for true north.
LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS
Open Space - Land allocated to public open space uses such as parks, plazas, gardens, playgrounds or natural areas.
Streets - Land allocated to public mobility functions such as street, bicycle or pedestrian path rights of way.
Residential - Land allocated to housing and residential uses such as single-family houses, duplexes, townhouses or apartment buildings.
Commercial - Land allocated to commercial services and uses such as retail, services or offices.
Industrial - Land allocated to industry intensive employment and related uses such as warehouses, heavy or light manufacturing or production processes.
Civic - Land allocated to public or quasi-public civic and community services, such as schools, community centres, churches, clinics, day cares or fire stations.
Mixed Use - Parcels of land on which more than one significant use from the above roster is accommodated.
OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS
Small - Parks or open spaces which are designed for smaller scale, passive activities (e.g. public courtyards, plazas, squares, etc.). Typically less than 0.4 ha.
Neighbourhood - Small parks or open spaces that serve local residential neighbourhoods and are easily accessible by walking and cycling. Typically 0.5 to 3 ha.
Community - Large parks or open spaces that serve recreational needs of several neighbourhoods and provide active programming (indoor/outdoor recreation facilities, natural areas, trails, etc.). Typically over 8 ha.
Regional - Large parks or open spaces which serve regional catchment areas and include unique programs such as sports complexes, botanical gardens or natural areas. Size varies.
BUILDING CLASSIFICATIONS
Detached - Single ground-oriented, freestanding building or dwelling.
Attached - Building uses or dwellings that share one or more common walls.
Stacked - Building uses or dwellings that share one or more common floor/ceiling assemblies.
STREET CLASSIFICATIONS
Non-vehicular - Circulation corridors that are primarily intended for non-vehicular uses such as pedestrian or bicycle paths.
Local - Street with average daily traffic count less than 2,500 vehicles.
Collector - Street with average daily traffic count between 2,500 and 10,000 vehicles.
Arterial - Street with average daily traffic count between 10,000 and 20,000 vehicles.
DEFINITIONS OF MEASURES
Tree Size Categories - Differentiates between coniferous and deciduous trees, and categorizes based on 5m, 7.5m, 10m and >10m canopy diameters
Building Primary - Main building on site.
Building(s) Secondary - Additional buildings on site.
Max. Occupied Stories - Number of stories of conditioned space.
Total Dwellings - Total number of dwelling units (all sizes).
Dwelling Size Categories - Differentiates between dwelling units which are sized: 225 sqm.
Commercial Size Categories - Differentiates between commercial units which are sized: 475 sqm.
Building Envelope - Area (m2 or ft2) of all exterior surfaces of the building assembly (includes apertures, exterior walls and roof area).
Aperture - Any opening to conditioned floor space, such as doors and windows.
Total Travel Lanes - Total number of lanes dedicated to vehicular traffic flow (vehicle circulation lanes + dedicated transit lanes)
ALSO see mouse-over definitions throughout the web site.