Spatial distribution and influencing factors of traditional villages in South Henan region based on GIS analysis

Traditional villages serve as significant carriers of Chinese cultural heritage, embodying a rich history and unique regional characteristics, and hold considerable research value. This study focuses on 50 national-level traditional villages in Southern Henan, using ArcGIS 10.7 software to analyze their distribution characteristics and influencing factors. The results show that traditional villages in southern Henan exhibit a distribution pattern characterized by “overall dispersion and local aggregation,” primarily concentrated in Guangshan, Xinxian, Shangcheng, Fangcheng, and Nanzhao counties, with an uneven distribution across the counties. The main aggregation zones are located in Xinxian and Guangshan, while secondary aggregation zones are found in Nanzhao and Fangcheng counties. The spatial distribution is influenced by factors such as elevation, river networks, transportation infrastructure, and the level of economic development. This study provides data support and recommendations for the protection and development strategies of traditional villages