We are currently using a GIS (ArcView 8.3)
to assist in re-designating our urban growth boundary and want to use the 1990
and 2000 Census blocks to determine population change (so that we can predict
where future growth is going to occur). Using the Census 2000 block
relationship files, we can examine how the blocks from the two censuses compare
(i.e. one-to-one, one-to-many, etc.). However, in order to do a direct
comparison between the 1990 and the 2000 blocks, we need to have a comparable
geometry between the two datasets.
For example, if you have a one-to-many relationship within a particular
block unit, the “many” 2000 blocks need to be aggregated to match
the “one” 1990 block and visa versa with the many-to-one
relationship. In a sense, a
“cluster” database will be created which will include all the
one-to-one blocks and also all the aggregated blocks. I have done various intersects and
dissolves within ArcView, but have not been able to create a database that
globally aggregates the smaller units into the larger units successfully. If any GIS’ers can offer some
advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
Also, have any MPO GIS’ers analyzed block level population changes
around their boundaries to forecast which fringe areas will likely fall into
their MPOs in 2010?
Cindy Pellett