a b s t r a c tConventional calibration algorithms of trip distribution models assume that the analyst has a whole base year trip matrix. To attain a whole trip matrix, the sample size for travel surveys needed to be as large as possible. However, this could be very expensive especially in large cities. Some studies in the past showed a small sized sample would be enough to estimate functional parameters of observed trip length frequency distribution. But the performance of a gravity model with small sized samples has never been addressed. This empirical study has shown that sample sizes as small as 1000 (even smaller for quick response studies) could be as dependable as large sample surveys using a line search calibration algorithm.

Drawing from both the spatial price equilibrium theoretical framework and the empirical literature on spatial interaction modeling, this paper expands models of interregional commodity flows (CFs) by incorporating new variables and using a flexible Box-Cox functional form. The 1993 US commodity flows survey provides the empirical basis for estimating state-to-state flow models for 16 commodity groups over the 48 continental US states. The optimized Box-Cox specification proves to be superior to the multiplicative one in all cases, while selected variables provide new insights into the determinants of state-to-state CFs. r

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Development of different viewpoints/perspectives in the planning process and discussion of their empirical results will allow creation of "better land-use plans". In this sense, one of the deficiencies met by the land-use planners is lack of decision support system that can analyse the empirical results of different viewpoints analytically. The aim of this study is to analyse impacts between planners' different viewpoints and the optimum land-uses allocation empirically and analytically. The study uses a generalized land assignment model formulated by Hanink and Cromley (1998) [Land-use allocation in the absence of complete market values, Journal of Regional Science, 38(3), pp. 465 -480] that integrates the geographical information systems with multi-criteria decision-making techniques in Cesme/Izmir in Turkey. The study results indicated that the model is very useful to analyse impacts between planners' viewpoint and optimum land-use allocation.

Railway projects are extremely expensive and long-lasting investments. Most countries are facing difficulties funding these projects from their national budget. Such projects clearly have an impact on land use and land value. Literature shows that property and land values increase after a transport investment is made in a particular corridor. Rail system projects have the highest impact on property values, because they increase accessibility to urban areas. Rail system projects are becoming very popular in Turkey, especially in Istanbul, one of the most important and most populated cities in Turkey. Existing road, sea and rail transport systems are not sufficient to meet the demand for mobility in the city. Since urban public transport systems rarely make a profit, they do not attract private investors. Furthermore, it is not possible to pay for all rail system investments from public funds. This paper aims to develop a new model for the financing of rail systems in Turkey. The main aim is to calculate with a Hedonic Pricing model the impact of the proximity of a property to a station of a rail system on the value of that property, and then to reflect this impact on a proposed rail system project in Istanbul. In the Hedonic Pricing model, properties are characterized by their composite attributes, thus the value of a property can be calculated by adding up the estimated value of all its separate attributes. This model makes it possible to calculate the impact of each and every attribute of a property on its value. In this study the distance to a metro station is the primary attribute with other structural features also affecting property value. The model is run with 11 attributes. As a result of this model a coefficient can be calculated that relates to the impact of distance to a station on the value of the property. As a further research, recommendations will be developed to use this calculated value in the financing of railway project.