Interpolation of Transition Matrices by the Variable Power Method

In this paper the author introduces the variable power method that can be used to interpolate age-specific transition matrices of a quinquennial multiregional model of population change into those of an annual model. Beside being able to maintain consistency and non-negativity, this method is better than the well-known fifth-root method, because the former allows the mortality and mobility levels to change with age, whereas the latter does not. The variable power method is applied to the biregional model of Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area and the rest of Canada based on the 1971–1976 data. The empirical result suggests that the method may work equally well for multiregional models of other population systems.

Interpolation of Transition Matrices by the Variable Power Method Journal Articles