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GIS for Credible Identification Strategies in Economics Research

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  • Masayuki Kudamatsu

Abstract

This article surveys the use of geographic information systems (GIS) for the credible identification of causal impacts in recent economics research. It describes how each geo-processing tool in GIS allows economists to use data on geography and weather as sources of exogenous variation for estimating the impact of various ‘treatments’. The diverse range of treatments discussed in this survey includes disease, school competition, land suitability for agriculture, infrastructure, the elasticity of housing supply, mass media, learning from friends, slave trade, the appropriability of crop harvests, and terrain ruggedness.

Suggested Citation

  • Masayuki Kudamatsu, 2018. "GIS for Credible Identification Strategies in Economics Research," CESifo Economic Studies, CESifo Group, vol. 64(2), pages 327-338.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:cesifo:v:64:y:2018:i:2:p:327-338.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/cesifo/ifx026
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    1. Cerqua, Augusto & Pellegrini, Guido, 2018. "Local policy effects at a time of economic crisis," MPRA Paper 85621, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    econometric and statistical methods; economic development;

    JEL classification:

    • C88 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Other Computer Software
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General

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