1.Key Laboratory of Water Environment Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir,Chongqing Three Gorges University,Chongqing 404100,China
2.School of Geographical Sciences,Southwest University,Chongqing 400715,China
Objective This study analyzes the spatial pattern characteristics and driving mechanisms of rural settlements in Sichuan Province at multiple spatial scales and provides a scientific basis for optimizing rural settlement layout and fully implementing the rural revitalization strategy. Methods The GIS spatial analysis method was employed to analyze the multi-scale spatial patterns of rural settlements in Sichuan Province in 2020. Subsequently, the optimal parameters-based geodetector (OPGD) and the multi-scale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) models were applied to explore the driving factors and spatial heterogeneity of rural settlement patterns at both the county and grid scales. Results (1) The spatial distribution of rural settlements in Sichuan Province exhibited a clear clustering trend, forming a “one belt with one core” pattern. The spatial center of gravity was located in southern Chengdu, and the spatial distribution direction was generally consistent with the orientation of the mountain ranges. At smaller scales, local characteristics of settlement distribution became more pronounced, and the degree of agglomeration was more significant. (2) The influence of geographical environment on the spatial patterns of rural settlements exhibited scale effects. The explanatory power of driving factors was greater at the county scale than at the optimal grid scale. Slope and socio-economic factors had substantial effects on the spatial distribution of rural settlements across different scales. (3) MGWR analysis revealed that the spatial patterns of rural settlements in Sichuan Province resulted from the combined effects of multiple factors. The natural environment shaped the regional characteristics of settlements, location and transportation facilitated their agglomeration, and socio-economic factors drove their transformation. Commonalities and particularities coexisted in the driving mechanisms across different scales. Conclusion The “one belt with one core” spatial pattern of rural settlements in Sichuan Province arises from the synergistic effects of multiple factors. The influence of each driving factor demonstrates distinct scale effects and spatial heterogeneity.
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