ABSTRACT
One regional economic-demographic model which was developed during the late 1960s had a substantial influence on subsequent socioeconomic modeling efforts. Socioeconomic projection models developed during the late 1960s and early 1970s were employed primarily as tools for state and regional economic planning. As interest in evaluating community-specific impacts of major projects grew, however, these models were found to have substantial limitations as impact assessment tools. The information needs of the user are clearly the starting point in selecting a modeling system — what information is needed, for what area, and for what periods of time. Environmental impact assessments are requiring an increasingly large volume of socioeconomic data. An important use characteristic is the availability and cost of obtaining the input data required for a model's implementation. For example, some models incorporate input-output economic modules that require the availability of state or regional input-output interdependence coefficients.
