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A Comprehensive GIS Database for China's Surface Transport Network with Implications for Transport and Socioeconomics Research

Author

Listed:
  • Steven J. Davis
  • Meijun Qian
  • Wen Zeng

Abstract

We build a granular GIS database that covers China’s national highways, modern motorways, traditional railways, high-speed railways, and waterways at an annual frequency from 1993 to 2020. Overall network length more than tripled after 1993, with half the increase accounted for by modern motorways and high-speed railways. Mean distance from zip-code centroids in China to nearest motorway access point fell from 302 km in 1993 to 15 km in 2020. Average within-county connectivity to the transport network rose sharply. We also show that discrepancies between distance to nearest motorway access point and straight-line distance to motorway routes are often large, and they correlate with calendar time, terrain features, and economic development. This finding raises concerns about the use of straight-line distance when estimating the causal effects of transport improvements. Our GIS database is freely available on an open-access basis, creating an empirical laboratory for new research in multiple directions.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven J. Davis & Meijun Qian & Wen Zeng, 2025. "A Comprehensive GIS Database for China's Surface Transport Network with Implications for Transport and Socioeconomics Research," NBER Working Papers 33515, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33515
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L92 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Railroads and Other Surface Transportation
    • N75 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - Asia including Middle East
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • R40 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - General

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