French Historical GIS, 1700-2020. Administrative units, Populations, Transports

This repository provides a set of geospatial datasets for France. The data are organised into separate directories, each containing a dataset and a dedicated README with detailed documentation and usage instructions. Each dataset is described in a standalone data paper which should be read carefully before using the data. Repository Structure TRANSPORT.zip ├── TRANSPORT.gpkg │ ├── RAILWAYS │ ├── INLAND WATERWAYS │ └── RAILWAY STATIONS └── README.md COMMUNES_1790-2020.zip ├── COMMUNES_1790-2020.gpkg │ ├── unique_geometries │ └── polygon_attributes └── README.md POPULATIONS_1782_2020.zip ├── POPULATION_1790-2020.csv └── README.md Dataset Overview Transport The transport dataset contains historical infrastructure layers for France, including: Railway networks Inland waterways Railway station locations These layers enable the study of connectivity, market integration, and infrastructure development over time. Communes (1790–2020) This dataset provides a harmonised representation of French administrative units over the long run. unique_geometries: spatial geometries of communes polygon_attributes: associated attributes and temporal information The structure allows users to track administrative changes (e.g. mergers, splits) while maintaining consistent spatial units for longitudinal analysis. Populations (1782–2020) This dataset provides longitudinal population data for French administrative units over the long run. POPULATION_1790-2020.csv: population counts for each administrative unit The dataset is designed to be used in conjunction with the communes dataset, allowing users to track demographic change consistently despite administrative boundary modifications. It supports the analysis of: Long-run population dynamics Urbanisation and demographic transitions Regional inequality and spatial development Documentation Each dataset directory includes a dedicated README.md file with a link to the data paper containing: Detailed variable descriptions Data construction methodology Usage guidelines Users should consult these papers before working with the data. Use Cases These datasets are suitable for: Historical GIS analysis Economic history and regional development research Transport and infrastructure studies Long-run administrative and demographic analysis Additional Information Further details about the broader research project can be found here:https://www.anrcommunes.fr License Please refer to the individual dataset README files for licensing details. Citation Litvine, Alexis, Séguy, Isabelle, and Thévenin, Thomas (2026), French Historical GIS, 1700-2020. Administrative units, Populations, Transports, Economy, doi. 10.5281/zenodo.19557567