This paper describes the deployment and application of a custom web-based service as a means of engaging stakeholders during the development process of the AMBAG Regional Travel Demand Model. The intent of the web service was to permit stakeholders to review and comment on the input data to be used for the periodic update of the regional demand model without requiring the use of a desktop GIS software. After a highly successful kick-off effort, stakeholders were granted secure logins and the capacity to make changes to attribute data associated with the various travel demand GIS layers, including the network and Traffic Analysis Zones. The web service includes functions for logging these changes and adding comments. The web-based application has become an integral component in communicating the various data needs of the modeling process to the stakeholders. As the model nears deployment and calibration, the web service will be utilized for reviewing the model outputs and facilitating comment.

The case study also illustrates the success of the web-development effort and its viability using commercial, off-the-shelf software as a consensus-building and communication tool for project stakeholders with varying degrees of technical expertise. The presentation and paper will feature graphics outlining the functionality of the website and offer constructive information regarding the effort involved in deploying such a system. Potential pitfalls will also be discussed.