Tools for Spatial Economic Planning

A Guide for Urbanizing Countries

Gulelat Kebede, Paterson Gauntner

$109.95 $87.95

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Routledge
30 September 2025

Regional studies; Development economics; Human geography; Regional & area planning; Civil engineering, surveying & building

Urbanization is a transformative force reshaping the economies and societies of developing countries today. It has the potential to bring about powerful development dividends, but the rapid expansion of cities in countries where resources are limited is a pressing policy challenge. Guiding the evolving spatial and economic structure, and getting policy right is an urgent and high-stakes task.

This book bridges spatial and economic planning, offering practical tools for both analysis and policymaking. It explores seven national and subnational policy instruments – such as National Development Plans, city master plans, and special economic zones – detailing their purpose, formulation, key components, and effectiveness. Additionally, it provides hands-on guidance on a wide variety of analytical tools, such as mapped overlays, location quotients, input–output analysis, multipliers, metrics of inequality and segregation, gravity models, and scenario planning. These tools can help identify spatial trends, assess linkages, and inform policy decisions.

With 26 case studies demonstrating real-world applications, this book serves as a resource for policymakers, development practitioners, and academics seeking to learn, develop the field of knowledge, and shape more effective spatial-economic policies.

By: Gulelat Kebede, Paterson Gauntner
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781032818146
ISBN 10: 103281814X
Pages: 270
Publication Date: 30 September 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

1. Introduction 2. Spatial economic theory: An overview with a historical perspective 3. Spatial disaggregation, visualization, mapping, and overlays 4. Industry location: Location quotient, shift-share analysis, and growth share matrix 5. Economic linkages: Value chain mapping, input-output tables, and multipliers 6. Metrics of spatial inequality and segregation 7. System of cities: City-size distribution and gravity models 8. Scenario planning 9. Subnational policy tools 10. National policy tools

Gulelat Kebede is an urban expert with over 30 years of international development experience and a lecturer at The New School University, New York, United States. Paterson Gauntner is an urban economist with project experience in 15+ countries and expertise in urban planning, economic development, and local public finance.