Project Meeting 2017.06.09

Input Loading Step

We'd like to split out the input table loading into a new first step
We'll add the input tables as filenames to the settings file and explicitly read in the tables as opposed to relying on the orca lazy loading
This will make it easier for a user to get started and to customize/extend the models
We can also move the orca dynamic columns into expression files eventually (but this may come later due to resources)
@Ben to start on this, based on what we're doing with the BCA and PopSim projects
This would be under Task 6 - Completing Phase 1 Models

@Stefan wants to build the existing DaySim parcel buffering procedures into ActivitySim
This will require a new sub-module, maybe activitysim.abm.models.buffering
It will need its own example/test, probably PSRC data
It will use an input loading step
@PSRC to get started by forking the repo and RSG to assist as needed

We're almost at the point where we can contribute the first working version of populationSim into ActivitySim
This will require a new sub-model, maybe activitysim.popsim
It will need its own example/test, probably MTC data to be consistent with the ABM example? We're currently using the Corvallis-Albany-Lebanon region of Oregon as our test
It will use an input loading step
We plan to fork the repo, add this, and issue a pull request
Anyone interested in setting up the MTC example to get familiar with it and to help build out this new module?

We're going to get back into this work now that the populationSim work is slowing down
We're planning to speed up the pandas queries and formally integrate this into the code base
It will be under activitysim.core and the activitysim.abm example will be updated as well
@Jeff to do this next