Index Background Data Preparation & Manipulation Spatial Analysis Problems Data Sources

Problems and Discussion

The data collection phase was the most time consuming part of the project. I could have added more factors for assessing vulnerable populations in Vancouver. I wanted to add persons with disabilities as one of my factors, but despite many hours searching for an appropriate dataset in the Census, I came up empty. I asked for help, but people were unsure or directed me to a database where I still couldn’t find it. I finally decided that it was taking up so much time that I had to move on to other data. However, I wish I could have added this factor as it would have possibly improved my analysis.

Also, I could have brought in crime statistics to assess whether or not the areas I have identified as vulnerable do have higher rates of crime. However, I would need to focus on certain crime categories. Crimes that are predominant in Vancouver are property crimes. People who are victims of property crime do not tend to need victim service centres as much as people who are victims of other crimes that are more personal. Also, I wanted to focus on the locations of where vulnerable people live, which may be different from where the crime occurred. People are more likely to reach out if they are struggling in the aftermath of a crime if there is a place to go near their home.

I had some problems with imported the data between formats. I usually would try to figure out how to do anything by myself so that I can learn it better. However, sometimes it took a lot of time and in retrospect, maybe I should have asked someone.

I don’t have any experience with web page design prior to this class, and I don’t use the internet that often compared to my peers, so this was a challenge. It is a simple design, but sometimes simple is better!