Data Flow and Layers

spaciv Logic: Data Flow and Layers

This guide explains how data moves through the spaciv system and how layers are used to structure and configure that information. Use it alongside the video and slides as a reference you can return to.

1. How Data Flows Through spaciv

Everything in spaciv follows the same logic, from simple projects to complex multi-scenario analyses. Understanding this flow first makes everything else easier to follow.

The process has three stages:

• Import — you bring your raw data into spaciv
• Configuration — you stack layers on top of that data to add context, rules, and modifications
• Insights — spaciv generates visualisations and dashboards based on your configured data

Each stage builds on the one before it. Your raw data always stays intact at the bottom. Everything else is built on top of it.

2. Stage 1 — Import: Your Base Layer

The starting point for any spaciv project is importing your data. This is typically a CSV file containing your objects — things like employees, rooms, or assets.

Once imported, this becomes your base layer. It is your raw data, and it stays unchanged unless you explicitly update it.

What your base layer might look like

• A room schedule exported from your FM system
• A headcount list from HR
• An asset register
• Any structured data with a name, ID, and associated properties

Note: spaciv also comes with system preset object layers — for example, standard space modules. You can use these alongside your own imported data.

3. Stage 2 — Configuration: Stacking Layers

Configuration is where spaciv becomes powerful. Once your base data is in, you start stacking additional information layers on top of it.

Each layer can add context, apply modifications, or define rules — without ever touching the original data underneath.

A useful way to think about it

Imagine a stack of transparent sheets placed on top of each other. Each sheet adds new information or changes without altering what’s beneath it. You can add or remove sheets, swap them out, or reorder them — and the base always stays the same.

A practical example

Say you have a room schedule as your base layer. You could stack:

1. A renovation timeline as a modification layer — showing which rooms are being refurbished and when
2. A cost layer on top of that — applying renovation costs to each room based on its timeline

By combining those layers, spaciv can calculate total renovation costs by building, by floor, or by time period — without you ever having to edit the original room schedule.

Types of layers in spaciv

• Object layers — your imported data files. The base of your stack.
• Modification layers — select specific objects and change one of their properties. Used for scenarios, moves, or any planned change.
• Space rules — apply a calculation model based on a workplace concept. Sit at the top of the stack.
• Layer stacks — a saved combination of layers that represents a specific configuration or scenario.

Note: The order of layers matters. Layers higher in the stack reference the layers below them. Your base data always sits at the bottom.

4. Stage 3 — Insights: Visualisations and Dashboards

Once your layers are configured, spaciv generates insights based on that specific combination of data.

These insights appear as visualisations and dashboards inside your project, and can include:

• Quantitative data — areas, headcounts, costs, utilisation rates
• Floor plans with data overlaid — showing room assignments, space types, or occupancy
• Room schedules and space programmes
• Scenario comparisons — showing how outcomes change when you swap one layer for another

Because the insights are generated from your layer configuration — not from edited source data — you can always trace any result back to the layers that produced it.

5. The Three Components in Your Account

In your spaciv account, you’ll find three core components that map directly to this logic. You’ll find them all in the account section of the sidebar.

Properties

Properties are pieces of information used to describe your objects — things like location, area type, department, or cost group. spaciv comes with a set of preset properties, and you can also create custom ones.

You’ll learn more about properties in Lesson 3.

Object Layers

Object layers are where your imported files live. Each file you upload becomes an object layer. spaciv also includes preset object layers — such as standard space modules — that you can use in your configurations.

Layer Stacks

Layer stacks are saved configurations of multiple layers stacked together. They are what you use to generate insights in a project. spaciv includes preset layer stacks based on common workplace scenarios, and you can build your own on top of your data.

Note: In Level 1, you’ll be working entirely within your account — setting up data and understanding these components. You won’t be creating projects yet. That comes in Level 2.

6. Quick Reference — The spaciv Data Flow

• Import → upload a CSV to create a base object layer
• Configure → stack modification layers, space rules, and presets on top
• Insights → open your project to see dashboards and visualisations based on your configuration

Note: You can have multiple layer stacks, each representing a different scenario. Swapping one layer in a stack changes the output — without touching your original data.

What’s Next

In Lesson 3, we’ll break down object layers and properties in detail — what they are, how they’re structured, and how they form the building blocks of your data in spaciv.