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Map of the Area Ruggedness Scale (ARS)

by John Cromartie and Elizabeth A. Dobis
1/16/2024

Rural Economy & Population

Map of the United States showing the six levels of the Area Ruggedness Scale.

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The intersection of rugged terrain and economic activity remains understudied, so USDA, Economic Research Service researchers developed two classifications of U.S. census tracts: the six-level Area Ruggedness Scale and the five-level Road Ruggedness Scale.

Map of the Area Ruggedness Scale (ARS)

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