Optimized quantity-within-distance models of spatial welfare heterogeneity

Benedict M. Holland and Robert Johnston

Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 2017, vol. 85, issue C, 110-129

Abstract: Spatial welfare heterogeneity is frequently modeled within stated preference analysis as a function of discrete or continuous distance between households and affected resources. A common example is distance-decay analysis. Although distance-based models such as these are easily estimated, the ubiquity of this paradigm can lead to analyses that overlook other forms of analysis with equal or greater relevance. This paper develops an alternative approach to spatial heterogeneity in stated preference willingness to pay (WTP) based on the quantity or area of an affected resource surrounding each respondent at an optimized distance band or radius, with distance bands optimized using a grid-search algorithm that maximizes model likelihood. Methods and results are illustrated using a choice experiment on riparian land restoration in Maine, USA. The resulting quantity-within-distance model identifies systematic spatial patterns that are undetectable using distance-based analysis and directly relevant for welfare analysis.

Keywords: Q51; Q57; Choice modeling; Discrete choice experiment; Distance decay; Geographic information system; Nonuse value; Riparian; Spatial; Stated preference; Willingness to pay (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (18)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:85:y:2017:i:c:p:110-129

DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2017.04.006

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