Visualizing the geographical network of inter-provincial electricity in China

Abstract

This paper empirically visualizes the spatial patterns of the inter-provincial electricity flows in relation to the distribution of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita using spatial geographical information system (GIS) and cartograms. It highlights how developed provinces in eastern China are net importers of electricity from western and central China, which creates a west–east power transmission pattern and helps deepen the regional economy disparity.

Keywords

• inter-provincial electricity flow
• spatial patterns
• regional disparity
• cartograms