Digital Integration of Spatial Analysis and Cultural Heritage Tourism for Sustainable Urban Development

The preservation and transmission of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) face challenges posed by uneven spatial distribution, which are particularly evident in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. This study aims to enhance the protection, management, and revitalization of ICH by integrating spatial analysis with digital platform development. A methodological framework was established, encompassing ICH data collection, kernel density analysis, Thiessen polygon analysis, and transportation accessibility analysis. A prototype digital platform integrating GIS functionality was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of combining spatial analysis with cultural tourism services. The findings reveal significant spatial clustering and uneven distribution of ICH resources, exhibiting a “core–periphery” spatial pattern. The core density value in the Guangzhou–Foshan area is approximately 4.3 times higher than that in peripheral regions, indicating significant spatial disparity. The average area of core-area Voronoi polygons is less than 5 square kilometers, while peripheral areas exceed 50 square kilometers. Accessibility values inversely correlate with convenience: the shortest travel time in core areas is under 20 min, while peripheral areas exceed 60 min. This study not only enriches the theoretical framework for ICH protection and deepens understanding of its spatial distribution patterns but also provides innovative solutions and practical guidance for targeted ICH conservation, revitalization, and the application of digital technologies in cultural heritage preservation.