[CTPP] Synthetic Data for PUMA using 2005-2007 ACS

[Liang Long]

On February 23,  Joseph Sakshaug, a Ph.D. Candidate from University of 
Michigan, gave a presentation at the Census Bureau on data synthesis for 
small geographic areas. 

Joe?s research is motivated by the increasing demand for microdata for 
small geographic areas with simultaneous increase in restrictions of data 
release at small geography due to  the risk of disclosure.  While Joe?s 
research is not focused on transportation data, his research is likely 
useful to our needs for the CTPP using ACS records.  His research utilized 
county-level data from the 2005-2007 American Community Survey (ACS) and 
applied it to PUMA geography.  He applied a Hierarchical Bayesian model to 
simulate the synthetic values while accounting for homogeneity within each 
geographical unit at the PUMA level.   Joe tested many variables, 
including household income, age etc. In his validation the synthetic data 
were very close to the actual surveys with respect to distributions and 
means. 

Joe indicated that the method can be extended to smaller geographic areas 
such as census tract and block groups.  The Westat team working on the 
NCHRP 08-79 project "Producing Transportation Data Products from the 
American Community Survey that Comply with Disclosure Rules" also attended 
the meeting. 
 
Joe can be reached by joesaks at umich.edu if you want to get more 
information about his research. 
 
Thanks! 

Liang Long
Cambridge Systematics, Inc.
4800 Hampden Lane 
Suite 800
Bethesda, MD 20814
tel  301 347 9141
fax 301 347 0101
FHWA 202-366-6971
e-mail  llong at camsys.com
 www.camsys.com
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