METHODOLOGY

MODULE STEPS

There were four main steps in IDRISI to process the data: RECLASS, OVERLAY, DISTANCE, and FUZZY were the main modules used.

RECLASSIFICATION MACRO MODEL

Then, all of the age files (on the Left) were overlayed into two files: Males and Females 50_64, and Males and Females 65 plus. At this point, there are now 15 layers (all thirteen on the right side of the above diagram, and the two age layers that are a compliation of all the reclassed ages). These eleven layers that are going to be used as FACTORS in the MCE weighted analysis were then run through the DISTANCE module, the four that were going to be used as constraints (Landuse, GVRD Municiaplities, and both Age files (All50_65 and All65plus))

DISTANCE MACRO MODEL

Then, all the factors were put through the Fuzzy Module

FUZZY MACRO MODULE

CONSTRAINTS AND FACTORS

There were a total of 4 constraints and eleven factors used

CONSTRAINT ONE: GVRD Municipalities

The first contraint used for this analysis is that it must be contained within the Greater Vancouver Regional District. In order to create this, a boolean raster image was created by assigning all municiapalities within the GVRD a value of one, and everything else a value of zero. This provides our spatial contraint within the GVRD.

CONSTRAINT TWO: GVRD Landuse

Areas suitable for a new retirement home were restrained to areas with suitable landuse. The landuse image was reclassed to exclude Lakes(1), Protected Watersheds(4), Industrial Areas(7) and Transportation and Utilities(0), which were all a value of zero. Everything else was considered suitable and given a value of one.

CONSTRAINT THREE AND FOUR: GVRD population 50_64 years old, and GVRD population 65plus years old

These layers were used as separate constraints in the analysis, but were used in the same way. Because the target market for a retirement home is people aged 65 and up, suitability was constrained to areas that had an above average amount of people 50 years old a up. People 50 to 64 were included because they will soon become the target market for a new retirement home. Each layer was reclassed so that the retirement home location was constrained within areas with above average numbers of people 50_64 or 65+.

FACTOR ONE: GVRD Bus Routes

Having close proximity to bus routes is beneficial to the location of a potential retirement home. Many seniors no longer drive and rely on public transport. Also, the more convenient it is for visitors to access the retirement home, the better! Fuzzy values were set at 0 and 1000 (meters), this way the retirement home will ideally be located within 1 km walking distance from major bus routes.

FACTOR TWO: GVRD Sky Train Stops

Skytrain stops are an important factor for the same reason as bus stops. Seniors often use public transit because they no longer drive, and having skytrain stops nearby gives them more freedom and accessibility. Fuzzy values were set at 0 and 3000 (meters) so that the retirement home should be within three kilometers of any skytrain.

FACTOR THREE: GVRD Railroad

The third factor is also a transportation layer. Having railroads nearby is useful for transportation purposes, similar to bus routes and skytrain stations. However, trains can be very noisy, and the retirement home should be located far away enough that it will not disturb the tranquility of the home. The fuzzy values are symmetric, set at 0, 700, 800 and 3000 (all in meters) this way the retirement home is too far to be disturbed by noise, and close enough for the railway to be convenient.

FACTOR FOUR: Major Highways

This is the final transportation factor. Having a retirement home near a highway would be convenient for visitors. People often drive along highways on their way home from work and could easily stop in and visit their parents or grandparents in their new retirement home. However, similar to railways, the noise and smell from the exhaust can be quite irritating. These fuzzy values are also symmetric, set at 0, 500, 600 and 4000.

FACTOR FIVE: GVRD Hospitals

Typically, retirement homes are adequately prepared for emergencies such as health failure. However, elderly people are more likely than others to have be more fragile in health, and therefore living near a hospitals would be safer. Emergency response would be much quicker if necessary, and any appointments made with the hospital will be convenient for clients to attend. The fuzzy values are set at 0 and 3000 (meters).

FACTOR SIX: Current Retirement Homes in the GVRD

It is important for the retirement home not to be next door to another one. Although it would be beneficial for social purposes, the new retirement needs to be in a location where there is a shortage, not an abundance. Fuzzy values were set at 0 and 6000 (meters) so that the new retirement home will ideally not be within six kilometers of currently existing retirement homes in the GVRD.

FACTOR SEVEN: GVRD Libraries

It is important for seniors to fill their time with mentally stimulating activities. Reading is one of these activities. Having the retirement home located near a library would be useful and also provide a place for social interaction. Fuzzy values are set at 0 and 2000 (meters).

FACTOR EIGHT: Golf Courses

Everyone jokes about retirement and golf going hand-in-hand, but this is actually true! Statistics show that the majority of golfers are above the age of fifty. Having a golf course within reasonable distance of the retirement home would give clients the oppotunity to golf easily, an activity which increases mental stimulation and potential socializing. Fuzzy values are set at 0 and 6000 (meters).

FACTORS NINE AND TEN: GVRD Greenspace and Greenspace2

One of the most desirable aspects for residential development is scenery. Who wouldn't want to live near beautiful open greenspace? The fuzzy values for both layers were set at 0 and 2000 (meters) so that the new retirement home would likely be within two kilometers of greenspace.

FACTOR ELEVEN: GVRD Parks

Building a new retirement home near parks has some of the same benefits as greenspaces. They are scenic and excellent for excercise and outdoor activities. Fuzzy values are set at the same as the greenspace layers, 0 and 2000 (meters).

All of these constraints and factors are the basis of the MCE that was conducted in the Decision Wizard