Our project aims to propose possible SkyTrain routes into UBC. We proposed 2 scenarios where one route is based on population density and the other route is based on creating a transit line for the area of Vancouver where there is still no direct access to UBC. Since we are in a group of four, we decided to split the work by having two people work on one scenario together. Some interesting things I learned from the project is that we discovered that TransLink is actually going to proceed with a SkyTrain line in the future that connects into UBC. Their current plan is to build along West Broadway, which is not where we have decided to place. However, with personal observations on our route (not from the maps we have produced and analyzed), we realized our route have very narrow roads where it may not be feasible or appropriate to build a SkyTrain in the area. We understand why TransLink has planned to build along West Broadway where the 99BLine Bus runs because it is a commercialized strip with wider roads. Hence, I have learned that in order to do an analysis on a feasible route, a lot of other factors have to be taken into place. During the process of brainstorming and analyzing the possibilities, we will always find that we could always miss a factor or two and have to redo a part of analysis. However, the GIS techniques came in handy, such as clipping and reclassifying data. We used that a lot in our project and it becomes satisfying when the result we want shows on the maps. Throughout the project, I also experienced the lengthy and tedious amount of time and work it takes to acquire the proper data needed for our analysis. The data are really scattered around on various websites and sometimes we would think a certain website database should have it, only to find that they do not.
Please feel free to take a look at our final proposal: final-project-proposed-skytrain-routes-to-ubc