Methodology

Home
Intro
Data
Method
Analysis
Problems
Model
Conclusion
With the layers now prepared for the project, it was necessary to standardize them as suitability layers, so they could be entered into a MCE-OWA analysis. All of the layers were being prepared for MCE-OWA except for ICERINKRASFIXED; the rasterized ice rink layer which would be brought into the analysis after MCE analysis. For the layers that involved distance as the criteria by which they would be judged, this meant creating distance layers from the originals first. This operation was performed using the DISTANCE module in IDRISI for the following layers:
SKYTRAIN2010RAS
MJROADS
OLYMPIC VILLAGE RAS

 

SKYTRAIN2010DISTANCE
MJROADSRASDISTANCE
OLYMPIC VILLAGE RASDISTANCE


The SURFACE module was used to create a slope layer from the gvrd digital elevation model:
GVRD_DEM

These layers were now ready for standardization in the FUZZY module, as were the other four layers:
YOUTH
INCOME
HOUSEVALUE
LANDUSE

The FUZZY module was used to grade each layer according to their suitability on a scale from 0 to 255, with 0 being not suitable and 255 being optimal. This procedure allows all eight layers to be brought into MCE. Each of the FUZZY layers produced here is a continuous suitability layer, with every pixel having a value representative of its suitability.

GVRD_SLOPES

Skytrain Layer: used the J function in FUZZY module, areas are suitable within 2 km, suitability decreases thereafter to 30 km, at which point the distance is too

Distance to Skytrain is an important factor in this site analysis for two main reasons; to accomodate the spectators that would visit the facility during the Olympics, and to keep the facility accessible to the greatest amount of people after the Games are over. Public transit is a much more sustainable method of transporting people than are automobiles.

Roads Layer: linear decreasing suitability

Distance to major roads is an obvious advantage to any facility. In the case of an Olympic venue it is of even greater importance considering the amount of spectator, media, officials and athletes which will need to get there.

Olympic Village Layer: uses the J function, areas are suitable within 20 km, suitability decreases to 80 km

Slopes Layer: uses sigmoidal function, most suitable is 0 degrees slope, decreasing in suitability to 20 degrees

House Value Layer: linear decreasing suitability

As this layer is indicative of land values, optimal suitability corresponds with least dollar value associated with acquiring the land.

Income Layer: linear decreasing suitability

It is felt among the Vancouver Whistler Bid Corporation that building this facility could be a very positive impact on a low income neighborhood. Therefore this layer was used in order to incorporate this into the MCE analysis, by designating the lowest income census tracts as the most suitable, with suitability decreasing as income levels rise.

Youth Layer: linear increasing suitability

This layer is also concerned with the social aspects of the site location, and more specifically the legacy left behind after the Olympics. Locating the facility in an area with high populations of young people would encourage sport development among youth. Therefore suitability increases with the amount of youth (defined here as males and females between the ages of 9 - 24)