The grid-level fixed asset model developed for China from 1951 to 2020

Abstract. To better aid the quick and accurate assessment of economic loss after the occurrence of future damaging earthquakes, we develop a grid-level fixed asset model for China covering the period from 1951 to 2020. The modelling process can be divided into two stages: (1) the compilation of provincial-level fixed asset data series using the perpetual inventory method (PIM) and fixed assets-related statistics; (2) the disaggregation of provincial-level fixed assets into grid-level (1 km × 1 km resolution) using different combinations of remote sensing ancillary data (i.e., nighttime light, built-up surface area, population) for different periods, considering their temporal availability. As of 2020, the total estimated value of fixed assets in China reaches 589.31 trillion Chinese yuan (in the 2020 price level). Consistency checks have been performed by comparing our modelled fixed assets with those from other studies and data sources at different administrative levels, and good consistency has been achieved. The modelled grid-level fixed asset maps from 1951 to 2020 will be publicly accessible and can be conveniently extended to more recent years as new statistics on fixed assets become available in the future.