With the incorporation of a graphic layer file in TMODEL2, you can now create a TAZ (traffic analysis zone) map as an overlay for your model. This is helpful for displaying the zone boundaries in not only the Network Graphic Editor (NGE), section 1.1., but also in the Travel/Land Use Graphic Viewer, section 2.7.8. This can be displayed in a plot or print as well.

In order to develop a layer file of the TAZ, first convert the model network in section 4.4.9 to a layer file. Load the converted network layer file as well as any other pertinent TIGER92 files in the NGE and insert links and nodes as zone boundaries to create the zone structure. Consider using node-in-link as a quick way to add shape to TAZ boundaries. Give the zone boundary lines (links) the color to be used for the TAZ boundaries, and save the links, nodes, and display attributes. Next convert this zone boundary network in section 4.4.9, and save as a layer file.

Now with original links and nodes which represent the zone boundaries, it is easy to edit the files to reflect changes in the TAZ boundaries and convert them to a new zone layer file!