Analysis of Spatial and Driving Factors of National Sanitary Resources in China Using GIS

Promoting health equity is key to achieving sustainable urban development. The National Sanitary Cities in China (NSCC) policy is a critical development model aimed at improving urban environments and enhancing public health. This study evaluates the selection criteria and policy impact of NSCCs, using the nearest neighbour index, geographic concentration index, imbalance index, and kernel density estimation to analyze their distribution characteristics. Additionally, it explores influencing factors using a geodetector model and spatial overlay analysis. The findings indicate a shift in NSCC selection criteria from urban sanitation to urban health, reflecting China’s strategic focus on achieving health equity. The spatial distribution analysis indicates that NSCCs exhibit a clustered pattern, characterized by dual cores, dual centres, multiple scattered points, and regional extensions. NSCCs are influenced by both natural and socioeconomic factors, with economy and population, technological innovation, and informatization exerting greater influences. This study is valuable for understanding the spatial patterns of NSCCs, providing a scientific basis for promoting equitable and sustainable health resource allocation and policymaking.