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Home | Events Archive | Urbanization and urban divergence: France 1760-2020
Seminar

Urbanization and urban divergence: France 1760-2020

  • Location
    Erasmus University Rotterdam, Campus Woudestein, Langeveld 3.09
    Rotterdam
  • Date and time

    March 24, 2026
    11:30 - 12:30

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. Joint paper with Pierre-Philippe Combes (Sciences Po-CNRS), Gilles Duranton (University of Pennsylvania), Clément Gorin (University of Paris 1) and Frédéric Robert-Nicoud (University of Geneva).