Activity-Based Models and ACS Data

1. Activity-Based Models and ACS Data D. Niemeier University of Califonia, Davis

2. Introduction • Overview of primary data products • Overview of activity-based models • Key data needs for emerging models • Advantages and disadvantages of ACS

3. Primary Data Products • Census Microdata Sources • Decennial Census PUMS • ACS PUMS • Census STF3A (SF3, 2000) • CTPP • NHTS • ACS Tables

4. Current Practice

5. Activity-Based Models • In general, key step in which census or “other than travel survey” data plays a role: • Generation of synthetic households/population • TAZ using socio-economic variables (PUMS) • Other steps similar for both 4-step and activity-based (e.g., calibration/validation)

6. Population Synthesis MORPC Pop. Synthesis Model

7. Advan/Disadv for Emerging Models

8. Practical Issues/Research Needed • Geographic resolution • How to map between or fuse data sources • Need for demog. data at HH and person-level • ACS defining HH characteristics may not match census information • Finally, more research and information on control variables, use and affect within ACS