Abstract
Taking the traditional fort-type settlements in Shaanxi as the research object, quantitative research methods such as K-means clustering algorithm, correlation analysis, density analysis, and nearest neighbor index are used to study their spatial distribution, formation causes, and cluster characteristics. The objective of the study is to break through the geographical limitations of fort-type settlements research and to explore the scientific methods of classifying and analyzing traditional fort-type settlements. The conclusions are: (1) The results of cluster analysis show that the fort-type settlements in Shaanxi can be divided into three categories; (2) The overall distribution of fort-type settlements in Shaanxi shows multi-point aggregation, and contains both point and linear aggregation distribution; (3) There are four typical cluster systems among the traditional fort-type settlements in Shaanxi; (4) The factors that have the greatest influence on the distribution of settlements are construction force, wall masonry, age, fortification purpose, and topographic environment. The article innovatively proposes the "cluster system" perspective and introduces mathematical algorithms and quantitative research methods to study the cluster system of the fort-type Settlements. This approach is feasible and can be applied to other settlement-related studies. At the same time, the perspective of cluster system could be used in heritage conservation, which can contribute to the restoration of architectural relics and systemic conservation on a larger scale.
Highlights
This paper introduces clustering algorithm, correlation analysis, principal component analysis, kernel density estimation, and nearest neighbor index to investigate the clusters and formation factors of fort-type settlements in Shaanxi
(4) The results of correlation analysis show that these clusters are formed mainly by the construction force, wall masonry, age, fortification purpose, and topographic environment factors
The quantitative research methods of spatial distribution, cluster system division, and formation causes of fort-type settlements have proved to be effective and can be applied to other studies related to settlements
Summary
Fort-type settlements are typical defensive settlements widely existing in China, whose construction originates from human instability in the environment and is mainly characterized by linear fortification of the periphery [1]. The value of the cluster system is affirmed in The Charter on the Built Vernacular Heritage. Cluster system distribution of traditional fort-type settlements in Shaanxi represented by single structures, and it is best conserved by maintaining and preserving groups and settlements of a representative character, region by region” [2]. In this context, this study proposes to study and protect the fort-type settlements from the perspective of "group system" and explore a more systematic approach to heritage conservation
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