Creation of Boundary Data for China’s Prefecture-level Administrative Divisions

Abstract

To facilitate a detailed analysis of China’s urbanization process, this study constructed datasets of prefecture-level administrative boundaries for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020. Geographical boundaries are essential for delineating spatial regions, while administrative divisions represent a dynamic structure reflecting the historical and institutional transformations of the state. In China, rapid economic growth and urban expansion since the Reform and Opening-up policy have driven frequent administrative reorganizations, making the reconstruction of historical boundary data essential for analyzing urbanization. However, existing public datasets are insufficient for tracking the temporal changes in prefecture-level divisions. Therefore, this study integrated county-level data from the National Geomatics Center of China, records of administrative division changes from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and historical maps to construct boundary datasets. The results reveal a notable trend of county-level mergers, particularly after 2014, suggesting the influence of urban–rural integration policies. Consequently, the resulting datasets provide a valuable foundation for future research on urbanization, population migration, and economic development in China.