A dataset of spatial distribution of GDP in Hainan island at 500m from 2012 to 2020

Based on ESA (European Space Agency) landcover data, national polar-orbiting partnership-visible infrared imaging radiometer suite (NPP-VIIRS) nighttime light data and Hainan provincial statistical data, we implemented the spatialization of Hainan island’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in this article. According to the relationship between gross product of primary industry and landcover type, spatialization of Hainan island gross product of primary industry was implemented. And by building the regression model between gross product of secondary and tertiary industries and the nighttime light index, Hainan island gross product of secondary and tertiary industries is spatialized. Then the spatialization of GDP was realized by combining the results of spatialization of Hainan island's primary industry, secondary and tertiary industries. Compared with Hainan provincial statistical data, the results show that the maximum relative errors of spatial distribution data and actual statistical data of gross product of primary industry, gross product of secondary and tertiary industries and GDP in each period are 3.25%, 9.57% and 7.49%, respectively, which indicates the dataset has high accuracy. In addition, this dataset can provide a decision-making basis for the government to formulate policies on economic development of Hainan island, and provide data support for scholars to explore differences and trends in economic development of Hainan island.