Determination of the Temporal-Spatial Distribution Patterns of Ancient Heritage Sites in China and their Influencing Factors via GIS

Abstract

Exploring the temporal and spatial distribution as well as the influencing factors of ancient archaeological sites can illuminate the developmental trajectory of human civilization, aiding in the comprehension of the geographical environment, resource distribution, climatic conditions,and other aspects of historical periods.In particular, exploring the temporal and spatial distribution is highly important for the management and protection of these sites. Using ArcGIS 10.8 software, we analysed the distribution of 1,194 historical ancient sites among the key national cultural heritage sites. The research findings are as follows: (1) The distribution of ancient sites demonstrates an agglomerative spatial pattern. The nearest neighbour index (R<1) for sites from various historical periods indicates an agglomerative spatial distribution of ancient sites across different historical periods, with the clustering degree being relatively poor for sites from the Wei-Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties and in the Ming and Qing periods. The regions with a concentration of ancient sites are the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and Yellow River basins. Furthermore, there is a higher abundance of ancient sites in the southeastern region than in the northwestern region. (2) The distribution of ancient sites in different historical periods also exhibits an imbalance, with an overall downwards trend in the number of ancient sites in China. Notably, more ancient sites were found for the prehistoric and pre-Qin periods. The temporal trend of ancient sites during historical periods follows a trajectory from northeast to northwest, northeast to southwest, etc. (3) The temporal and spatial distributions of ancient sites are influenced by multiple factors, including social development, the natural environment, geographical elements, and socioeconomic and political factors. Finally, based on an understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution pattern of ancient sites and the factors that influence this pattern, recommendations for conservation and development can be proposed and supported by modern technological methods, with the aim of offering insights for the protection and sustainable development of heritage sites.