Section 2: Method
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SECTION 2: METHOD
Our sampling method was line-intercept sampling; we picked four sites roughly every 2.5 miles along an 11-mile transect (Seawall Boulevard) on the coast of Galveston (Figure 2.1). We used this method so that we could measure the environmental quality and tourist activity at evenly spaced and less concentrated points along the seawall, which prevents locational bias. Our transect was only 11 miles long because we were limited to one day for data collection, so we didn’t have time for any more than 11 miles.
We worked as a group to collect as much – and as wide a range of – data as possible. We split into smaller groups and assigned one data collection method to each group. I was part of the Environmental Quality Survey (EQS) group.
Data collectionmethod / Description / Justification
EQS (Figure 2.3) / My group of 4 discussed and rated the environmental quality at each site based on 5 categories: Buildings; Traffic/Roads; Pavement; Beach/Water; General Quality. Each category has sub-categories that we rated using a 5-point scale: 5-Great; 4-Good; 3-Average; 2-Bad; 1-Extremely bad. We added up the score out of 75 for each site. / The 5-point scale is a simple and easy way of collecting data. We did the EQS as a group, with two boys and two girls, which reduces subjectivity and prevents gender bias. The EQS helps answer my first sub-question. / These produce objective quantitative data which is easy to compare.
Litter Survey / We used a tape measurer to measure 30cm2 by the entrance to the beach at each site, and counted the number of bins and litter in that area. / The litter survey is a fair and simple way of gathering data and helps me answer my second sub-question.
People Count / 2 people timed 10 minutes during which they tallied all the people and birds visible in a spot at each site. Each person counted both people and birds. / The people and birds were counted by each person, twice in all, which improves the reliability. The counting time was the same for each site, which makes it a fair test. The people count helps me answer my second sub-question.
Traffic Count / At each site, 2 people counted the number of vehicles by the side of the road for 4 minutes. One person counted one side of the road and recorded the number in a tally with 6 categories: motorcycle; bicycle; taxi; bus; lorry/truck; car. The two sides of the road were added and the count was repeated (2 counts and 8 minutes in total per site). An average and a total were calculated for each category. / The traffic count was repeated for each site, which improves the reliability. The counting time was the same for each site, which makes it a fair test. Traffic is directly linked to air and noise pollution. The traffic count helps me answer my third sub-question
Land-use / We sketched, photographed, mapped and tallied the land-use for each site. The sketches were facing parallel to Seawall Blvd, one per site. The view and main attractions were drawn rather than details. We chose a spot at each site and took panoramas and 360o photos, focusing on scenery and detail relevant to the site. We used GIS (Google maps) to print birds-eye-view maps of each site to annotate and colour code the different land-uses on the trip. These were focused on the nature and surroundings. A building tally with categories such as hotel, residential and green space was taken for each site. / We collected land-use data in four different ways, which widens the range of data. Land-use can be easily used to measure the amount of tourist activity. The land-use data helps answer my first and third sub-question.
5
Great / 4
Ok / 3
Average / 2
Bad / 1
Extremely bad /
Buildings
Vandalism/
Graffiti
Maintained
Aesthetically
Pleasing
Traffic/Roads
Road Quality
Safety
Noise Pollution
Congestion
Parking
Pavement
Quality
Pedestrian congestion
Beach/ Water
Cleanliness of water
Cleanliness of sand
General Quality
Litter
Distance from shops
Distance from Public Transport
Risk / Risk probability
1-low; 10-high / Management
Hit by moving vehicle on road
asd asd asd / 4 / Crossed the road as a group using zebra crossing and traffic lights
Sunburn
Asd asd asd asd / 7 / Sunscreen and sunhat; stayed in shade where possible
Strangers
Asd asd asd asd / 2 / Always walked in pairs/groups and stayed roughly in eyeshot of teachers
Injured by broken glass and rocks on beach asd asd / 4 / Stay away; watch step
Tripping on uneven pavement
asd / 4 / Watch step
Falling – pavement right next to seawall drop-off
asd asd / 1 / Watch step; stay away from edge
Drowning in sea
Asd asd asd asd / 1 / Stay away from water
Word count: – 730 excluding blank data collection tables and annotations w/ <10 words
Jasmine Chui