www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/loveland.htm
British
Columbia offers an abundance of outdoor recreation that is available to
the general public. Camping is a popular activity because it is inexpensive,
flexible, largely available, and fun. I chose the placement of a new Provincial
campground as my spatial analysis because I enjoy camping. Another crucial
factor in my decision to carry out such an analysis is the difficulty of
acquiring a campsite at a Provincial Park on long weekends and other holidays.
Many provincial campgrounds offer different types of amenities and activities to attract visitors. The proposed campground will be accessible by car and situated on an area that is in close proximity to recreational activity and at a distance from protected lands, industrial lands, and other landscapes unsuitable for campsite development.
Slope will be determined, as the campsite should be located on relatively flat terrain. Areas that are deemed unsuitable for recreation will be removed from the analysis. These areas include water, urban areas, protected lands, agricultural lands, coal basins, alpine landscapes, dams, etc. Areas that are visually unattractive such as barren lands and logged areas will be included in the analysis but will possess higher friction values as they introduce a cost towards beautification of the landscape. Mature forests are given a higher friction value as these landscapes are usually protected and the introduction of camp visitors would cause environmentalists some concern.
Most campers travel long distances to vacation. Therefore, the campground should be made easily accessible by car (Vancouver Island is accessed by ferry from British Columbia' mainland). Major roads will be a factor in the placement of a new campsite. They should be in close proximity to the camp but at a distance so as not to intrude on the "outdoors" experience that most campers seek.
Camping is associated with many outdoor activities. Boating, hiking, fishing, and walking are very popular among campers. Vancouver Island has extensive fishing networks, hiking trails, and boating routes. To carry out these analyses I will use BUFFER and DISTANCE to determine appropriate distances from location to location. I will also use OVERLAY, MCE, and other operations to combine all factors and determine the best new location for a campsite.
