Spatial scaling effects analysis of existing historical streets in Chinese cities based on the Ping Ge type map—In case study of Quanzhou East‒West Street

In response to the lack of objective evaluation criteria for interpreting the spatial scales of historical streets, as well as the problem of fragmented and complex textures, this research proposes an analysis method for assessing the spatial scaling effects using the Ping Ge type map. Drawing on the Ping Ge cartographic methods from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), it connects ancient measurement systems with objective evaluation criteria based on object relations and utilizes surveying maps from the Republic of China (1912–1949) to clarify temporal attributes of texture. The study employs a typical case study to demonstrate the feasibility of using the Ping Ge type map in interpreting historical streets. By creating the Ping Ge type map of the East‒West Street in Quanzhou Ancient City and utilizing form diagrams, it reveals patterns such as scale multiplications within respective plots, transformations in linear sequences of streets, and increases or decreases in plot series scales. The case analysis indicates that the Ping Ge type map effectively uncover the spatial scaling characteristics of historical street layouts in China and can transform them into design resources that preserve the inner order of cities, thereby promoting spatial scaling awareness in the planning and design of regional architectural clusters.