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<blockquote data-quote="Jd Smith1" data-source="post: 8419077" data-attributes="member: 6998052">I did not reject any quantitative measure of urbanization. I simply pointed out that there were no unbiased sources known to me. Direct-use statistical analysis is fine, because the collectors have a viable interest in accuracy. I'll give you an example: burglaries impact homeowners insurance rates, and developers' interest in given areas. Therefore, most, if not all, police departments in the USA are careful not to report burglaries at a rate which would disturb either insurance adjusters or developers. (Because that would upset the City Council).However, for the department's own database, every burglary would be accurately accounted for, as that is essential to operations.Before you trust a database, you must first ascertain who built it, and why. So a industry member attempting to ascertain their given market will strive for accuracy. An agency compiling data to justify their existence, promote their agenda, or to campaign for an expanded budget will make the numbers dance, sing, and posture. Rare is the agency, private or government, which reports a diminished need for their services or funding. Unless it is part of a quid pro arrangement with higher-higher.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Jd Smith1, post: 8419077, member: 6998052"] I did not reject any quantitative measure of urbanization. I simply pointed out that there were no unbiased sources known to me. Direct-use statistical analysis is fine, because the collectors have a viable interest in accuracy. I'll give you an example: burglaries impact homeowners insurance rates, and developers' interest in given areas. Therefore, most, if not all, police departments in the USA are careful not to report burglaries at a rate which would disturb either insurance adjusters or developers. (Because that would upset the City Council). However, for the department's own database, every burglary would be accurately accounted for, as that is essential to operations. Before you trust a database, you must first ascertain who built it, and why. So a industry member attempting to ascertain their given market will strive for accuracy. An agency compiling data to justify their existence, promote their agenda, or to campaign for an expanded budget will make the numbers dance, sing, and posture. Rare is the agency, private or government, which reports a diminished need for their services or funding. Unless it is part of a quid pro arrangement with higher-higher. [/QUOTE]

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