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This project will be based primarily on converting data from vector to raster format, use raster data for inputs for spatial analysis using various modules [reclass, assign, fuzzy, add, multiply, boolean, MCE etc.] for multi-criteria evaluations. Because Boolean evaluations are too simple, in this project I attempt to make use of advance spatial analysis capabilities to determine a location of a feature based on different criterias and constraints. The goal of my project is to uncover current spatial patterns and how that influences where I may utlimately choose to open a pet shop. I would suspect an ideal location would be somewhere in Vancouver west in Kerrisdale, or in Richmond along No.3 Road due to the amount of shoppers I've experienced in those areas and the number of existing competitors make those areas highly ideal based on my assumptions.

Background Research and explanation

Being a owner of three pomernians and is interested in various canine breeds I wanted to work on a project that could be beneficial to my interest. Having visited numerous individually owned pet food and supply stores and to pet food supermarkets such as "Pet Cetera" it would be interesting to see where could be the next best location to open a pet shop with daily boarding and grooming options available. As I've discovered over the years pet shops are not usually within walking distances and require a vechile, especially if the owner wants to bring their pets with them. Malls have pet shops that come and go; however, I think the demand for pet shops is rising as I see more "Pet Habitat" stores opening in various malls such as Metrotown, Brentwood, and Richmond Centre. In addition to Pet Habitat opening in large shopping centres, I also notice the number of small individual retailers that are importing pet accessories (clothing, supplies, leashes, collars etc.) so I think opportunity exists for finding a ideal location for the next pet shop with boarding services.

Currently. there isn't many pet shops that offer boarding services/daycare and grooming for canines (other than Pet Cetera and a couple small shops). I see a great chance of combing the two to create a perfect shop for pet owners to drop of their babies at the begining of the day and pick them up at the end along with some food or treats. Many boarding services are located in residential areas but those are not well known and business is reliant on referrals essentially. However, by locating a pet shop in commerical landuse areas with boarding services is a great opportunity to advertise the boarding services available also at the shop. Grooming for pets who are boarding for the day or week is a great choice for owners who will be on vacation and don't want to return home to pick up their beloved pets smelling like rubbish.

Most pet owners treat their canine pets like a child of their own. It is important to consider factors such as household income, population density, proximity to parks, proximity to vetinary clinics or animal hospitals, currently existing pet supply shops and boarding homes. Constraints would be within commercial areas, shop must be at least 600 square foot. Factors that I did not include in my analysis such as: household with children because there have been controvesy over pets being safe or unsafe for young children and vice versa. It is common amongst toy breeders that small children and toy breed generally do not go along well so I decide to leave out the statistics from census data about households with children in my analysis.

A multi-critera analysis conducted with IDRISI will help determine where are suitable locations to open a new shop with pet food and supplies, in addition to boarding and grooming facilities.