Presenting GTAP results using a map

Mark Horridge

No 331365, Conference papers from Purdue University, Center for Global Trade Analysis, Global Trade Analysis Project

Abstract: Maps are a natural way to present results from regional economic models, and are particularly useful for slideshow presentations. Unfortunately, commercial mapping (aka GIS) programs are expensive and complicated. By comparison, the ShadeMap program has limited capabilities, but is free and simple to use. To assist GTAP users, the ShadeMap package includes region boundary files (ie, maps) for versions 5, 5.4, 6pr2 and 6 of the GTAP database. We explain a simple way to aggregate or simplify one of these supplied map files to produce a map that contains the same regions as a particular GTAP simulation. The aggregation scheme (AGG) file used to prepare the simulation database can also be used to aggregate the map. After opening the aggregated map within ShadeMap, regional results can be pasted in from a spreadsheet. Regions can be coloured or shaded (B&W) according to these results. We explore a number of presentation options. The resulting image may be pasted into Word or PowerPoint, or saved as a file for further editing by a graphics package. The paper also covers some more complex topics, such as: adjusting colour schemes; ensuring the same colouring system is used for a series of maps; and producing maps which distinguish countries not yet separately distinguished in today's GTAP databases. ShadeMap is an interactive Windows program, but can also be completely controlled from the command line. This means that script files or other programs (eg, BAT files or GAMS programs) can use ShadeMap to automatically generate multiple maps.

Keywords: Research Methods/ Statistical Methods; International Development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 13
Date: 2005
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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