Dots to Boxes: Do the Size and Shape of Spatial Units Jeopardize Economic Geography Estimations?

Pierre-Philippe Combes, Miren Lafourcade and ,

No 6928, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: This paper evaluates, in the context of economic geography estimates, the magnitude of the distortions arising from the choice of zoning system, which is also known as the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP). We consider three standard economic geography exercises (the analysis of spatial concentration, agglomeration economies, and trade determinants), using various French zoning systems differentiated according to the size and shape of spatial units, which are the two main determinants of the MAUP. While size matters a little, shape does so much less. Both dimensions seem to be of secondary importance compared to specification issues.

Keywords: Agglomeration; Concentration; Gravity; Maup; Wage equation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C10 C43 O18 R12 R23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008-08
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-geo, nep-int and nep-ure
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (32)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Dots to boxes: Do the size and shape of spatial units jeopardize economic geography estimations? (2010)
Working Paper: Dots to boxes: Do the size and shape of spatial units jeopardize economic geography estimations? (2010)
Working Paper: Dots to boxes: Do the size and shape of spatial units jeopardize economic geography estimations? (2010)
Working Paper: Dots to boxes: Do the size and shape of spatial units jeopardize economic geography estimations? (2010)
Working Paper: Dots to boxes: Do the size and shape of spatial units jeopardize economic geography estimations? (2010)
Working Paper: DOTS TO BOXES: DO THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF SPATIAL UNITS JEOPARDIZE ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY ESTIMATIONS? (2008)
Working Paper: Dots to boxes: Do the size and shape of spatial units jeopardize economic geography estimations? (2008)
Working Paper: DOTS TO BOXES: DO THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF SPATIAL UNITS JEOPARDIZE ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY ESTIMATIONS? (2008)
Working Paper: Dots to boxes: Do the size and shape of spatial units jeopardize economic geography estimations? (2008)
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