SPATIAL ANALYSIS

Part 1

            This map of Highway 16 lists notable towns along the route, with the Highway of Tears between Prince George and Prince Rupert. Bus stops along the highway are concentrated around several small cities: Prince George, Smithers, Hazelton, Terrace, and Prince Rupert. However, between Prince George and Smithers are three other cities: Houston, Burns Lake, and Vanderhoof, with no bus stops at these locations. This leaves a 370 km stretch of highway between Prince George and the nearest bus stop at Smithers. Indigenous women who have little to no car access may find it necessary to hitchhike along this stretch of the highway out of pure necessity as there is limited and unreliable bus access. 

            First responders, depicted with the red cross icon, include police forces, ambulances, and firefighters. With the exception of Mount Robson, all the listed cities have at least one first responder task force. Women travelling between cities or living in smaller towns between cities may experience longer wait times for first responders to travel to their aid - additionally, women may need to hitchhike to cities to access healthcare services and medical help in non-emergency situations. 

            Highway cameras and rest stops (depicted with the bed icon) are often found together along Highway 16. Hovering over the rest stop icons give kilometre distance estimates to the nearest city. Rest stops are often areas of high risk and crime because of their remoteness and popularity with sex workers and truckers. Regardless, highway cameras can be used to track potential victims and criminals along the highway.