The impact of journey origin specification and other assumptions upon travel cost estimates of consumer surplus : a geographical information systems analysis

Bateman Ian, J; Brainard Julii, S; Garrod Guy, D; Lovett Andrew, A

Publication

The impact of journey origin specification and other assumptions upon travel cost estimates of consumer surplus : a geographical information systems analysis

Authors

Bateman Ian, J, Brainard Julii, S, Garrod Guy, D, Lovett Andrew, A

Date

1997-01

Type

Discussion Paper

Collections

Commerce Division Discussion Paper series

Keywords

Geographic Information System (GIS), cost benefit analysis, travel cost, recreation planning, Trip Generation Function (TGF), willingness to pay, mathematical models, consumer decision making, economic analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a simple application of the travel cost method conducted using geographical information system software. This permits analysis of the impact of various assumptions concerning the definition of visitor outset origins and routing to recreation sites. Results suggest that varying these assumptions could lead to substantial impacts upon central estimates of consumer surplus.