Discussion

Limitations

This analysis was a vector based maps which was later converted to raster. All the data is subject to human prone error and since this was not a primary source there could be error. The accuracy depends on the criteria that were defined in the walkability analysis.  Reclassification preferences to all the variables is very subjective. Another limitation of the analysis is that all the distance use or factors were given an equal weight. I chose equal weights in order to keep it controlled and to avoid correlation among variables. Lastly, the walkability scores given to the factors while analyzing the final raster map is subjective.

Reporting of Results

The analysis shows that downtown Vancouver is in fact very walkable in the core. The walkability scores range from a minimum score of 0 to a maximum of 1492. There is a breakdown of seven different classifications. There are three distinct parts in the downtown core that are displayed as a highly walkable area. Including Yaletown, Gas Town and the Downtown core of Robson through to West Georgia and Burrard. As it sprawls outwards the area walkability score decreases. Starting from Main Street we can see the scores increase all the way to around Denman St where it slowly starts to siphon out to lower walkability.

The outcome of the walkability analysis is a true representation of walkable areas in downtown Vancouver. This analysis confirms the pedestrian friendly streets that are safe to stroll around in to get from one place to the next. The movement of people to places is key and this map represents the greener, sustainable future that Vancouver is heading towards. Since the nightlife in the downtown core is so lively and vibrant it encourages more people to partake in activities. In the areas past main street where walkability is lower due to a combination of less population density, through experience and one can infer that the streets are not as welcoming and safe. In general places with less flow of people or traffic is more alarming to an individual who walks alone at night.

All in all the GIS Raster based walkability analysis presents results identifying the highly walkable and least walkable areas are in down town Vancouver. Through exploring the urban spatial patterns, it brings to the forefront development of areas that have lower walkability scores which in turn increases longevity of people’s life span through physical activity. Areas with high walkability not only promotes health but keeps people out of cars lowering air pollution through carbon dioxide.  As a result it lower traffic congestion in the city as well as lower the harm of air pollution and creating a healthy neighborhood.

Further: 3D Geovisualization Provides New Perspective on Walkability Analysis  

As technology progresses, the public exposure to 3D visualization is becoming more popular for developers. As a result, being able to show the public in city council meetings a simple 3D geovisualization and they will be able to connect the impacts of development happening in Vancouver. Three dimensional does not always mean it’s a better representation it is just another way tool to display as humans are living in visual world. In doing this in a 3D model, it would be of interest for citizens living in the region to model the outcome of a walkability analysis. In turn, it will increase public participation as 2D markups and sketches are not as easy to interpret. A person`s attention span does not last long, therefore conveying as much information without losing their focus is easily done in a 3D model.  Showing a flythrough of a walk-shed analysis is an easy way to relay the information.

Geovisualization can also be used to compare the least and most walkable areas by creating 3D buildings to a base map as all physical parameters are documented in a chart. This in turn allows users to see dynamic changes and look for areas to improve development that you may miss in a 2D map.