Urbanization and Urban Divergence: France 1760-2020
Abstract
We use a combination of image processing and machine learning tools to extract data from historical maps of France. Granular information about the distribution of population allows us to delineate cities consistently (and relatively) over 260 years. Against a backdrop of rising population, the rate of urbanization increased but the number of cities declined and the size distribution of cities also became increasingly skewed. Within cities, population density rose and its gradient flattened. To bring these facts together, we propose a model of urban divergence for which we verify further empirical predictions.
About the speaker
Laurent Gobillon is Professor with Chair at Paris School of Economics (PSE) and Senior Researcher at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS). He is also Managing Editor of the Regional Science and Urban Economics (RSUE) journal and Research Fellow at the Centre of Economic Policy Research (CEPR) and Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA).
Language
English
This is a free seminar. Registration is mandatory.