> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.picsy.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Target Search

> Find areas that match your chosen measures and thresholds.

Target Search helps you narrow a large area down to the places that fit what you are looking for.

## Choose the search area

1. Open **Target Search** from the main navigation.
2. Select **New search**.
3. Open **Area type**.
4. Choose **Local authority districts**, **Counties** or **Draw polygon**.
5. Select the areas you want to include, or draw and finish your polygon on the map.

<img className="docs-screenshot" src="https://mintcdn.com/picsy-1565b83e/wn3gRhXc98WJcD62/images/guides/target-search-area.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wn3gRhXc98WJcD62&q=85&s=ee80a12ffb2b01d2fa3697187d89bf4b" alt="Area type menu showing Local authority districts, Counties and Draw polygon." width="355" height="245" data-path="images/guides/target-search-area.png" />

PICSy creates the search when you choose its first area. It saves changes automatically as you work, and you can rename it from the title at any time.

<Note>
  On a smaller screen, open **Area settings** to find the area controls.
</Note>

## Find matching hexes

Open **Search Hexes**, then:

1. Choose the catchment type and range used to calculate each hex.
2. Choose a primary metric.
3. Add a secondary metric if you want to compare two measures at once.
4. Adjust the thresholds to filter the results.

<img className="docs-screenshot" src="https://mintcdn.com/picsy-1565b83e/wn3gRhXc98WJcD62/images/guides/target-search-hexes.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wn3gRhXc98WJcD62&q=85&s=6c24545ef00c3f3dc21d23631dd34b2a" alt="Search Hexes panel with catchment range, two selected metrics and threshold sliders." width="480" height="540" data-path="images/guides/target-search-hexes.png" />

The map and results update as you make changes. You do not need to run the search again. Set a threshold to **Any** when you do not want it to filter the results.

If you select two metrics, PICSy uses a blended map. The darker hexes score higher across both measures.

## Review nearby records

Use the tabs below the map to explore records inside the search area:

* **Carehomes** shows care homes and their available filters.
* **Planning** shows planning records and their available filters.
* **Land Parcels** lets you narrow parcels by area.

Select a row to open its details. The filters in these tabs do not change the matching hexes.

## Return to a search

Your area, filters and map style save automatically. Open **Target Search** from the main navigation to see your saved searches and reopen one.

## Export the results

Select **Download CSV** to export the built-up areas that match the current search area and hex criteria.

Next, learn how to [use the directories](/tools/directories).