Cities in Bad Shape: Urban Geometry in India
研究了印度城市形状对经济的影响，发现紧凑的城市形态与更快的人口增长相关，居民愿意为更紧凑的布局付费，交通可达性是重要渠道，土地利用法规可能导致城市形状恶化。
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.