Hi Everyone –

Back in the Jan 2008 issue http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/census_issues/ctpp/status_report/sr0108.cfm of the CTPP Status report, we included a brief article about HAZUS, because the CTPP2000 is used.

Recently, for a FHWA research project, Oak Ridge National Labs used this dataset (May 2011 version) as a land use proxy, and for creating a land use diversity measure.   Land use is reported by square footage at the block level and has seven main categories:  residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, religious, government and education.  Some categories have further detail, for example, the residential category includes number of units per residence, nursing home, etc.)  The commercial category includes retail store, restaurant, theatre and several other categories.

Http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/hazus

What has been your experience with this dataset?  Please share your knowledge and expertise.  Thanks!

Elaine Murakami

FHWA Office of Planning

206-220-4460 (in Seattle)