State and Local Population Projections : Methodology and Analysis (The Plenum Series on Demographic Methods and Population Analysis)

Rating:
Summary: "Population Projections" for those so inclined
Review: The new book by Smith, Tayman and Swanson is the first in many years to compile the major components of small-area population projections(data sources, methodology and evaluation) in one place.

The book is particularly good in describing the fundamentals of population analysis - which many other articles, chapters and books on projections neglect. Additionally, important advanced elements of population projections that are not commonly touched on, such as special adjustments, are addressed nicely here.

The book further instructs the reader how to use projections objectively. Too often, forecasts that are not 100% accurate are dismissed. In fact, as the book describes, imperfect forecasts still provide considerable utility in presenting alternatives, promoting agendas, sounding warnings and providing a base for other projections. To this end, the book provides a unique service in not only describing how to make small-area projections, but what to do with them.

In addition to the conventional techniques and concepts described, the authors present the latest developments in the field of projections, including structural models, GIS applications and innovative evaluative techniques.

I would strongly recommend this book as both a textbook - particularly for demography, planning, and economics students, as well as a resource for professional planners, administrators and scientists that rely on population projections.