[CTPP] TAZ software training: WEB ONLY scheduled for Friday, Feb 25 and Monday, Feb 28

As you know, TAZ delineation by State DOTs and MPOs will occur very soon, with software distribution in March/early April and files returned to the CB by mid-July. The software is being tested by volunteer State DOTs and MPOs starting from Friday, Jan 14 thru Feb 2. Thank you to all the volunteers! We do not need any additional software testers. We have two web training events scheduled. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please make sure that you capture the full http:// address, in case the listserv breaks it up. You need the address including webconfid=22433, or webconfid=21975 I have reserved 300 spaces for each day, so there should be enough room for everyone. If you are unavailable on those days, the sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing. The same training will occur on each day, so please sign up for only one. The web meeting software has been upgraded, therefore, the email with the confirmation of your registration will have a link to check the functionality on your computer. Friday, 2/25/2011, from 10 a.m. - noon EASTERN: Registration URL: https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_re g.aspx?webconfid=22433 Monday, 2/28/2011, from 2 - 4 p.m. EASTERN: Registration URL: https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_re g.aspx?webconfid=21975 Question: why is the time to do this only 3 months? Answer: For the TAZ and TAD delineation, it is important to be able to use the TIGER files with the 2010 geography and 2010 population counts. The 2010 population counts will be released to the public on a flow basis starting in March 2011, so we have to wait until these data are available to begin TAZ and TAD delineation. If the 5-year CTPP using 2006-2010 ACS records will be tabulated for TAZs and TADs, the TAZ and TAD delineations need to be completed quickly and returned to the CB Geography Division (GEO) 3 months after the agencies receive their files (no later than July 2011). This provides GEO with sufficient time to QC the submissions, produce the necessary files so that ACS records will get TAZ/TAD identifiers, and create TIGER/Line shapefiles for TAZ/TAD geography. If the TAZs and TADs are not delineated within this time frame, the CTPP tabulation could be delayed for another year, that is, Fall 2013. Question: are there strict thresholds on either residential population or workplace population? Answer: No. The software will give a warning message, but will still allow you to define TAZs below the recommended "threshold." (The FAQ will include more discussion about this topic.) We are working on an FAQ document on TAZs and will post it on the AASHTO CTPP page. http://ctpp.transportation.org/Pages/taz.aspx Elaine Murakami FHWA Office of Planning 206-220-4460