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A Quantitative Method for Characterizing the Spatial Layout Features of Ethnic Minority Rural Settlements in Southern China

Author

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  • Xi Luo

    (Department of Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Jian Zhang

    (Department of Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
    China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China)

Abstract

The site selection and spatial arrangement of rural settlements embody the ethnic characteristics and cultural heritage of ethnic minority groups. Investigating their spatial layout features and underlying determinants can provide both theoretical foundations and practical methodologies for the conservation and development planning of these settlements. This paper takes the representative ethnic minority villages in the first batch of key traditional villages in Liuzhou, Guangxi, as the example, and employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to study the spatial layout characteristics of ethnic minority villages in southern China. This study utilizes GIS-based analytical methods to calculate quantitative indicators based on planar graphs and digital elevation model (DEM) of ethnic minority settlements. The research results show that the spatial distribution of ethnic minority villages in southern China is closely correlated with natural geographical conditions. To be specific, ethnic minority villages in southern China generally distribute in accordance with the terrain and form specific spatial relationships with roads, topography, mountains, and water. Regardless of whether minority residents live on mountain tops or in valleys, they generally prefer gently sloping terrain. In addition, factors such as natural environment (sunshine and water sources, etc.) and traffic conditions are considered comprehensively in the settlement location. On this basis, the spatial layout features of rural settlement are extracted, and corresponding characteristic maps are constructed. The construction framework of the spatial characteristics map established based on “overall layout, architecture, roads and architecture-natural pattern” in this paper can be applied to general rural settlements. The findings can provide both theoretical foundations and practical references for the planning and development of rural settlements across different regions and ethnic groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Xi Luo & Jian Zhang, 2025. "A Quantitative Method for Characterizing the Spatial Layout Features of Ethnic Minority Rural Settlements in Southern China," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:6:p:1144-:d:1663513
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bingliang Li & Yuefeng Lu & Yudi Li & Huaiying Zuo & Ziqi Ding, 2024. "Research on the Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics and Accessibility of Traditional Villages Based on Geographic Information Systems—A Case Study of Shandong Province, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-25, July.
    2. Olczak, Barbara & Wilkosz-mamcarczyk, Magdalena & Prus, Barbara & Hodor, Katarzyna & Dixon-gough, Robert, 2022. "Application of the building cohesion method in spatial planning to shape patterns of the development in a suburban historical landscape of a 'village within Kraków'," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    3. Sen Chen & Muhammad Sajid Mehmood & Shuchen Liu & Yimin Gao, 2022. "Spatial Pattern and Influencing Factors of Rural Settlements in Qinba Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-21, August.
    4. Magdalena Wilkosz-Mamcarczyk & Barbara Olczak & Barbara Prus, 2020. "Urban Features in Rural Landscape: A Case Study of the Municipality of Skawina," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-24, June.
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