Socioeconomic (SE) Data is a key input in the regional Travel Demand Model (TDM), a tool used to evaluate the performance of the transportation network in order to determine which combination of improvements will provide the most benefit for the region. The TDM is an important analysis tool in transportation planning as results are used in the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) Project Prioritization Tool and the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
For the purposes of travel demand modeling, SE data is organized into small geographic areas called Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs), the base geographical unit of analysis for the travel demand model. The Hampton Roads region is comprised of approximately 1,200 TAZs. The structure of TAZs is largely based on established census, physical, and political boundaries, as well as other factors outlined by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
The socioeconomic data used by the regional Travel Demand Model includes:
Per Federal regulations, SE data used in the regional TDM cannot be more than ten years old. As such, the HRTPO has updated the SE data from the previous base year of 2009 to the year 2015.
Prior to updating the socioeconomic data to the year 2015, TAZ boundaries were reviewed and updated to ensure boundaries were consistent with current census, physical, and/or political boundaries that may have evolved or shifted over time. These boundaries were previously updated in 2000. Other boundary modifications included merging or splitting TAZs, by request or as needed.
This effort has been documented in the recently released Hampton Roads 2015 Socioeconomic Data by Transportation Analysis Zone report. To access the report, please visit:
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