2022
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/ , info:eu-repo/semantics/OpenAccess
François Moriconi-Ebrard et al., « Studying urbanization dynamics in Africa with the Geopolis database », HAL-SHS : géographie, ID : 10670/1.digvxt
The Geopolis database founded by François Moriconi-Ebrard in 1990 aims to produce harmonized data on the evolution of the population of urban agglomerations worldwide. http://e-geopolis.org. Its structure is conformed by the combination of data from two different origins: on the one hand, the spatial delimitation of urban areas from satellite maps and images and, on the other hand, the results of population censuses carried out by national institutions at the smallest territorial units’ level (Local Unit). The Africapolis database, financed by the OECD, is an extension of the previously mentioned Geopolis database. It has allowed the study of African countries urbanization, highlighting peculiarities that question the common beliefs regarding this phenomenon. This work has helped to understand the complex spatial distribution of the urban fabric and the contradictions and inaccuracies of official figures established by international organizations, which often ignore the spatial dimension of populations. Through the study of practical examples from this database we propose to analyze these new forms of settlements towards a better understanding of its impact on the development of African future societies.