Analysis 3

Unusual Patterns

1) As seen in the above 2 line charts, it can be seen that, June-July-August are the busiest months with the number of visitors hitting the peak. While October-November-December seem to have the lowest. Let us assume that the visitors are coming to see the birds. Birds migrate towards South during Winter ( October-November-December) while migrate towards North during June-July-August. If this were true, then the visitors are coming to the Nature Preserve for a different reason other than bird watching in which case, reduction in the number of birds or birds habitat getting affected is irrelevant to the traffic caused by vehicles in the Nature Preserve. This is applicable both to single day visitors and visitors who visit over multiple days.

2) Camping seems to be least popular, while general gates gets crowded especially among multiple day visitors. This is quote strange considering how the general convention is for the multiple day visitors to camp over days and also go around the Nature Preserve in which case vehicles tend to move through general gates and other entrances. If this inference is true, then the pattern is irrelevant to the popular belief of traffic affecting the birds habitat unless the birds nests are closer to general gates rather than the camps themselves.

Top 3 Patterns and Recommendations

1) In the months of June, July, and August, both single day visitors and multiple visitors see a peak. Especially in the year 2015. 3 axle trucks hit the peak in September. Since these months are also known to be the mating months for the birds, the Preserve should take required measures to curb traffic during these months.

2) 2 axle car (or motorcycle) is the most popular vehicle visited overall in 2 years. However, these car-types may not cause as much sound as the trucks. Except for the peak season where the number of 2 axle car (or motorcycle) hit the peak, measures to curb trucks and other vehicles need to be considered to protect birds from flying away or reduce in number.

3) Camping is not popular compared to general gates and other gate types. This indicates that the movement of vehicles is more than parking of vehicles which curbs traffic at least to an extent. This could be a threat to the habitats as more vehicles keep moving around the preserve which might disturb the birds. Therefore, Park authorities need to encourage camping, reduce buses and motorcycles roaming around the place. Nature Preserve can even introduce alternate means of commute inside such as cycling, and setting up walking trails.

Storyboard in Action

To see the interactive story board click here.This provides visualizations for single day visitors.