An efficient methodology for generating synthetic populations with multiple control levels

Abstract

This paper details a new methodology for controlling attributes on multiple analysis levels within a population synthesis program. The methodology determines how both household- and personlevel characteristics can jointly be used as controls when synthesizing populations, as well as how other multiple level synthetic populations, such as firm/employee, household/vehicle, etc. can be estimated. The use of multi-level controls is implemented through a new technique involving the estimation of household selection probabilities based on the probability of observing each household given the required person-level characteristics in each analysis zone. The new procedure is a quick and efficient method for generating synthetic populations which can accurately replicate desired person-level characteristics