Research on Spatial Perception in Virtual Historical Streets Based on Eye-Tracking and Physiological Sensing Data

Historical streets are an important component of urban form and embody urban culture. A detailed quantitative analysis of visitors’ spatial perception in historical streets is crucial for enhancing the spatial quality of streets. Focusing on Gulangyu Island, Xiamen, this study proposed a physical–physiological–psychological research framework for spatial perception by constructing a 3D virtual geographic environment. Based on environmental behavior theories and five dimensions of street design quality, it assessed the spatial features of historical streets, visitors’ eye-tracking and physiological sensing data, and psychological perception, summarized the mechanisms of how historical streetscapes influence visitors’ perception, and finally proposed corresponding streetscape optimization strategies. The main findings are as follows. 1) Spatial features of historical streets, including architectural style, layout of commercial spaces, spatial scale, and interface transparency, directly affect visitors’ visual experience and preferences. 2) Visual attention is significantly positively correlated with the historical streets’ imagery, openness, transparency, and complexity, and significantly negatively correlated with enclosure; among these factors, street openness, vitality, and lighting are key factors influencing visitors’ physiological responses. 3) The physical–physiological–psychological interaction mechanisms show that the visual attractiveness and emotional stimulation of the streetscapes can significantly influence individual perception and behavioral decisions, which confirmed the “physical environment–eye-tracking fixation–emotional arousal” mechanism of visitors’ visual preferences. Finally, spatial perception optimization strategies for different types of streets are proposed to inform decision-making for historical street renewals.