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Terrain ruggedness and land cover: Improved data for most research designs

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew Shaver

    (Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University, USA)

  • David B. Carter

    (Department of Politics, Princeton University, USA)

  • Tsering Wangyal Shawa

    (Map and Geographic Information Center, Princeton University Library, Princeton University, USA)

Abstract

Existing arguments about the effect of terrain on intrastate and interstate violence are more varied than the data sources widely used to test such relationships. We introduce precise geo-referenced data on terrain ruggedness and land cover globally at the national, provincial, and 1×1 km grid-square levels. Accordingly, the data are readily applicable to a wide range of research designs, including cross-national, sub-national and single-country designs, as well as any study that uses geographic information system data. We demonstrate the utility of the data with replication of Miguel et al. (2004, Journal of Political Economy 112(4): 725–753) and produce new findings leveraging both the ruggedness and land cover data.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Shaver & David B. Carter & Tsering Wangyal Shawa, 2019. "Terrain ruggedness and land cover: Improved data for most research designs," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 36(2), pages 191-218, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:36:y:2019:i:2:p:191-218
    DOI: 10.1177/0738894216659843
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Gaku Ito, 2021. "Why does ethnic partition foster violence? Unpacking the deep historical roots of civil conflicts," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 58(5), pages 986-1003, September.
    3. Ricardo Dahis & Christiane Szerman, 2023. "Decentralizing Development: Evidence from Government Splits," Monash Economics Working Papers 2023-18, Monash University, Department of Economics.
    4. Akisato Suzuki, 2023. "Uncertainty in grid data: a theory and comprehensive robustness test," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(5), pages 4477-4491, October.
    5. Ricardo Dahis & Christiane Szerman, 2024. "Decentralizing Development: Evidence from Government Splits," CESifo Working Paper Series 10927, CESifo.
    6. Dahis, Ricardo & Szerman, Christiane, 2024. "Decentralizing Development: Evidence from Government Splits," IZA Discussion Papers 16761, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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