Reconstructing Minyue Kingdom’s roads: A least-cost path approach to cultural heritage networks

This study utilizes high-resolution digital elevation models (DEM) and Landsat 8 remote sensing imagery to reconstruct the ancient road networks of the Minyue Kingdom in present-day Fujian province, China, focusing on the Qin dynasty (221 – 206 BCE) and Eastern Han dynasty (25 – 220). Using 12.5 m precision DEMs for elevation and Landsat 8 for land use and environmental data, a cost surface model was developed, leveraging the region’s stable geographical environment. Least-cost path (LCP) analysis was applied to identify the most efficient travel routes, accounting for natural and human-made barriers. The findings highlight five key insights: (i) mapping over 10,000 km of ancient pathways, emphasizing their significance in military logistics, trade, and cultural exchanges; (ii) identification of critical nodes, such as forts and trading posts, that facilitated strategic control and economic development; (iii) the influence of Fujian’s diverse topography on road network configurations; (iv) cultural narratives facilitated by these routes during the Minyue period (306 – 110 BCE); and (v) validation of LCP models in predicting undocumented routes and enhancing understanding of ancient transportation systems. This interdisciplinary approach integrates historical research, geographic information systems (GISs), and digital preservation, enriching archaeological knowledge and offering practical tools for cultural heritage management. The findings underscore the potential of GIS technologies in reconstructing historical landscapes and suggest broader applications for heritage preservation and education. The digital visualization of these networks provides a valuable resource for researchers and cultural heritage professionals worldwide.