OVERVIEW OF THE TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER: DATA BASE. INTERIM REPORT

The TRANSBORDER data base described in this report has been a major objective of the Texas-Mexico Toll Bridge Study. Designed to serve research and planning purposes, this data base compiles information and survey data gathered during the course of this project. The data are stored and organized in several files that can be linked by binational entry system, geographical location (such as city or municipality), and time. The selected data base language (SAS) is simultaneously a powerful relational data base software and one of the most comprehensive statistical packages available. TxDOT, as an SAS subscriber, has many personnel acquainted with this software. Consisting of a comprehensive, binational overview of the border region, the TRANSBORDER data base has been designed to easily accommodate future updates as more data become available. It contains the traffic history associated with binational entry systems and with all major highway links; socioeconomic data useful in transportation planning is also included. In addition, the data base includes a complete inventory of all binational entry systems and all major routes to the border. Because data collection is usually the most expensive and time-consuming phase of any project, the TRANSBORDER data base can minimize both time and expense. A library of formatted variables was specially designed to work in conjunction with the TRANSBORDER data base. The formats in this library decode all numeric codes and short abbreviations used as variable values. This library serves three purposes. First, it makes the data base output as self-explanatory as possible, minimizing the need for reviewing this guide. Second, it improves the self-documentation power of the data base, a feature that assures that the data base will be used even in those offices having frequent turnover. Finally, the library makes the data base more cost effective in that its use of shorter values for variables saves what would otherwise require a considerable amount of storage space. Whenever convenient or necessary, these customized formats can be removed by using a macro especially written for this purpose.