8 Nov
2001
8 Nov
'01
3:36 p.m.
since patty raised the issue of tracts, i have often wondered why do we have tracts? why
don't we
have a zonal system in urban areas that is created by the public data users--something
like TAZs. in
many areas the TAZs are developed by a collection agencies with planning and data
responsibilities.
if memory serves me tracts were historically a creation of the census bureau which is a
data
collector. TAZs are a product of regional planning organizations (which happen to have
transportation responsibilities) which are data users.
Patty Becker wrote:
Again, please feel free to post this to the list serve
if you wish.
My clear understanding is that "small area" means tract. I don't think
anyone thinks the 60 month data will be good enough for block groups.
If TAZs are tract equivalent, then the data should be as good as for
tracts. For heavy attractor TAZs which are split below tract level, the
transportation community has to negotiate with the bureau for a special tab
to deliver all TAZs. The data should support the tab
adequately, Meanwhile, of course, someone is going to have to be
responsible (MPO by MPO and state by state) for keeping the geocoding file
up to date!
No one knows whether these 60 month data are going to "feel right." Only
time will tell. But in any event the CTPP users will have data equivalent
to that for all users who use tracts. Meanwhile, we still have all these
hurdles in Congress, etc. etc.
Patty Becker
---
Ed Christopher
Metropolitan Specialist
Midwest Resource Center
Federal Highway Administration
19900 Governors Drive
Olympia Fields, Illinois 60461
708-283-3534 (V)
708-283-3501 (F)