Research on location method of rural basic educational facilities based on spatio-temporal coupling of multiple factors

The allocation of basic educational facilities in rural areas in the middle and late stages of urbanization presents a significant challenge: balancing short-term service efficiency with long-term operational equilibrium. This study introduces a novel Spatiotemporal Equilibrium (STE) model for the location of basic educational facilities, which adapts to the dynamic changes of multiple factors in rural areas. The STE model innovatively integrates three key factors – population, land, and capital – to achieve sustainable and balanced allocation of rural educational resources. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we applied the STE model to Y Town in Beijing, China. Results show significant improvements in spatial convenience, land occupation, and facility operation compared to both the town’s original facility location and the results of traditional p-median model. Specifically, the STE model reduces residents’ walking time from each village to nearby facilities decreased by 13.5% compared to the original location. Moreover, it decreases the combined land-use and financial resistance by 32.9% relative to the traditional p-median location schemes. These findings demonstrate the STE model’s capacity to balance multiple objectives: maximizing population service accessibility while minimizing both land use and capital investment. Furthermore, this study provides theoretical guidance and technical support for the long-term equitable and efficient allocation of rural educational resources under limited fiscal budgets.