Structural features of the streetscape of Macau across four different spatial scales based on historical maps

Abstract

In the analysis of complex historical layering, studies on how to avoid theoretical analysis and use quantitative methods of display and analysis are scarce. Therefore, we used space syntax to fill this gap in historical layering analysis. We established a spatial digital model by combining the urban historical landscape theory with the space syntax analysis method. Then, we quantitatively analysed the streetscapes in the four historical periods of Macau and the value-related development of the city’s economy, society, and culture. To this end, we used the theory of urban historical landscape to interpret the streetscape of Macau. We reviewed urban development under different spatial scales, which represent different states of historical layering. Changing ideological trends of construction have induced changes in the city, which have led to changes in the city style. The analysis considers the dimensions of space and time, and its results can guide the continued benign growth of the urban landscape and solve protection problems in practice. Meanwhile, the results of this work also indicate that the unique streetscape of Macau bred by the development of the city does not affect the newly constructed roads. The newly reclaimed areas and the streetscape of the new city are on the verge of homogeneity and cannot reflect the unique regional characteristics of Macau. Therefore, we used the historical map of Macau as a carrier, used space syntax to analyse the structure of Macau’s streetscape, and explored the apparent characteristics and value associations carried by the streetscape of Macau under different historical slices. Our results can help retrieve the value of Macau’s historical streetscape and devise a targeted protection strategy that can help pass on the historical streetscape of Macau to posterity.

Research on the Largo and architectural landscape of Macau from the perspective of historical layering

“…Meanwhile, the historical landscape of Macau is divided into four historical periods, namely the initial period (1557-1586), the growth period (1586-1840), the peak period (1840-1974) and the decline and regeneration period (1974 to date). The classification of historical layering is described in detail in the relevant articles published by the author [4,5].…”

Factors Influencing the Preservation of Historic City Centers: The Case of Old Town of Sakon Nakhon City, Thailand

“…This was because the length of roads in the orthogonal grid network were greater than those in other grid patterns, allowing for better connectivity with various areas (Dai, 2004). Teng, Yang, & Huang (2021) studied the streetscapes of historical areas in Macau during four different historical periods. The research discovered that the old city of Macau retained its central role, comprising important streets, despite changes in the street network over time.…”

“…This was due to the dense interweaving of old streets, which seamlessly integrated into the global street networks. This influence contributed to the creation of a natural movement that nurtured the old city of Macau, making the town major nodes throughout the historic urban layering (Teng, Yang, & Huang, 2021).…”

Automatic vectorization of historical maps: A benchmark

“…Vectorization is a key element for fostering information extraction from archival documents and a critical step in the valorization of historical maps, unlocking their potential for both spatial and temporal analysis. However, historical map vectorization is still generally performed by hand [ 2 ], mainly because of the absence of automated or semi-automated solutions to assist researchers and practitioners. Even if such manual process is usually very costly, this absence can be partly explained by the extreme variability of historical maps, and the multiple technical challenges they contain.…”