Cities in Bad Shape: Urban Geometry in India | Zendy

Mariaflavia Harari | Zendy

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Cities in Bad Shape: Urban Geometry in India

Author(s) -

Mariaflavia Harari

Publication year - 2020

Publication title -

american economic review

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 16.936

H-Index - 297

eISSN - 1944-7981

pISSN - 0002-8282

DOI - 10.1257/aer.20171673

Subject(s) - economic geography , geography , compact city , population , regional science , land use , economics , urban planning , sociology , civil engineering , engineering , demography

The spatial layout of cities is an important feature of urban form, highlighted by urban planners but overlooked by economists. This paper investigates the causal economic implications of city shape in India. I measure cities' geometric properties over time using satellite imagery and historical maps. I develop an instrument for urban shape based on geographic obstacles encountered by expanding cities. Compact city shape is associated with faster population growth and households display positive willingness to pay for more compact layouts. Transit accessibility is an important channel. Land use regulations can contribute to deteriorating city shape.

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