Spatial distribution characteristics and value evaluation of material cultural resources in the Qinghai section of the Yellow River Basin based on GIS

The Yellow River Basin is an important region for the formation and development of the Chinese nation, with many rich and historical material and cultural relics. The spatial distribution characteristics of 5518 material cultural resources in the Qinghai section of the Yellow River Basin were studied by GIS spatial analysis, and the value evaluation index system was constructed, and the raster analysis was carried out by GIS, in order to play a role in the inheritance, development and utilization of resources. The results indicate the following: (1) The overall three-dimensional structure of "the ground-like core of the Huangshui Valley, the multi-point agglomeration of the Republican Basin, and the sporadic distribution of the source area of the Yellow River" is presented; (2); The hotspot zones are predominantly concentrated in the Hehuang Valley, with sub-hotspots encircling the core areas. Both zones exhibit a higher density of ancient ruins, architectural heritage, and burial sites. The quantitative distribution of cultural resources demonstrates fluctuating trends across historical periods, manifesting two distinct peaks during the Pre-Qin period and the Ming-Qing periods respectively; (3) The overall kernel density was multi-nucleated in the five districts and two counties of Xining City, Ledu District, Minhe County, Tongren City and Guide County, and Huzhu County, Ping'an District and Huangyuan County were the secondary clusters; (4) A value assessment system of 5 categories and 17 items is constructed. The evaluation results show that the comprehensive value of the Huangshui Valley is the highest, the transition area of the Gonghe Basin and the southeast of the Yellow River source area are relatively high, and the west of the Yellow River source area is relatively the worst. Based on this, the paper puts forward a series of development and utilization suggestions.