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A Spatio-Temporal Heterogeneity Analysis Framework for National-level Grotto Temples and Rock Carvings in China: Based on OPGD and MGWR
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DOI：10.1007/s41651-026-00264-5.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
As significant carriers of China’s historical and cultural heritage, grotto temples and rock carvings (GTRC) warrant systematic investigation into their spatio-temporal distribution and spatially associated factors to support effective conservation and management. This study employs GIS spatial analysis, the optimal parameters-based geographical detector (OPGD), and the Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) model to analyze the spatial distribution, resource richness, and multidimensional spatial associations with national-level GTRC from natural, economic, and cultural perspectives. The results show that: (1) Spatially, national-level GTRC exhibit an uneven pattern characterized by “dense in the central region, more in the east and less in the west”, with high-density areas concentrated along the Henan–Shanxi border. Resource richness shows significant clustering, forming high-value areas in the Central Plains and Sichuan-Chongqing regions. (2) Temporally, the Sui and Tang dynasties were the peak construction period, and the trajectory of the center of gravity shows a shift in distribution direction from “northwest-southeast” to “southwest-northeast”. (3) The OPGD results indicate that economic development exhibits the strongest explanatory power, followed by population density and intensity of religious belief, with economic-religious interaction showing the strongest explanatory power. (4) The MGWR analysis reveals marked regional heterogeneity: in Henan, distribution is more strongly associated with economic, demographic, and religious factors, whereas in the Sichuan-Chongqing region it is more closely related to religious and cultural forces. These findings clarify the multidimensional factors associated with national-level GTRC patterns and provide theoretical and methodological support for their conservation and sustainable utilization.
Keywords:
Spatio-temporal Patterns
Multi-factor Coupling
Grotto Temples and Rock Carvings (GTRC)
Spatial Statistics
GIS analysis
Optimal Parameters-Based Geographical Detector (OPGD)
Journal
J
IF:
6.8
Papers:
241
Citations:
887
Organization
Cited Papers