Project number: MF-4.1b

Funding source: Volvo Research and Educational Foundations

Performance period: 1/1/2016 to 5/31/2018

Project description

We are conducting research on the spatial dynamics of warehouse and distribution activities. This paper addresses the problem of data for examining logistics industry trends over space and time. The research requires fine grain data with respect to both location and attributes that is consistent over time. We explored various data sources and compared their reliability and consistency. Our results make it possible to determine trade-offs between spatial scale, industry sector detail, and accuracy across the available data sources. Our results also suggest caution in using establishment level data.