Evaluation on the Rationality of Spatial Layout of Social Facilities in Inland Coastal Cross-River Cities Based on POI Data: A Case Study of Nanjing, China

Social facilities play a crucial role in urban development. However, there are currently few studies on the rationality of the spatial layout of social facilities in inland coastal cross-river cities. In view of this, we choose Nanjing City, China as an example, based on the point of interest (POI) data of social facility, and use the techniques including kernel density analysis, standard error ellipses, and spatial correlation analysis to systematically investigate the spatial distribution characteristics and patterns of social facilities in Nanjing. The research results show that there are significant differences in the spatial distribution of different types of social facilities in Nanjing, and the overall layout presents a pattern of denser distribution in the central urban area and more dispersed distribution in the peripheral areas. Shopping and transportation facilities are mostly concentrated in the core area of the main urban district, medical facilities are relatively concentrated, and cultural and educational facilities are located in all regions. The expert weighting analysis based on the Delphi method indicates that the influence weights of shopping consumption and transportation facilities on urban facilities are relatively greater than those of other factors. Overall, the social service facilities in the central urban area of Nanjing are well developed and well arranged, whereas the construction of facilities in several new districts and suburbs still needs to be further strengthened. The findings offer a scientific foundation for improving the layout of social facilities and urban planning in Nanjing, while also serving as a valuable reference for the development of other inland coastal cities spanning rivers.