Problems:

 1. Some of the largest problems encountered on developing this study had to do with the type of data used. Apart from a base-map showing the lower mainland of Vancouver BC, all other forms of data were collected as either tabular, census, or statistical. This did not present a problem when simply creating thematic maps in ArcMap, such as crime rate totals. However when the data was converted into raster formats in order to import into IDRISI, data manipulation was more limited. It was time consuming and difficult to manage the tabular data in IDRISI. Also collecting the data and manipulating it to a recognizable format to import into the software programs was also very time consuming.

2. There are always potential problems in creating GIS projects in terms of how much information is generalized and / or manipulated. Many of the functions in ArcMap and IDRISI allow the user to change and organize their data into more suitable components. Whether its from reclassifying an image in IDRISI or changing the number of classifications used to visualize a thematic map in ArcMap, data manipulation can potentially cause problems with end results.

3. One of the most important factors involved with any research project depends on how accurate the data is.  Knowing the source of the data, where the data came from, why it was compiled, who used it and for what purpose, and how current it is, will greatly determine how useful your calculations will ultimately be. In the case of my project, my data sources came from Statistics Canada and Statistics British Columbia websites, as well as some information contained on the SIS lab computers. Statistical information only provides a general overview of a subject that can be interpreted in many ways. In my project the data provided a view on the potential reasons for crime rates.