Determination of the spatial patterns and influencing factors of agricultural cultural heritages in the six provinces of central China via GIS

Understanding the spatial pattern of agricultural cultural heritages (ACHs) is the prerequisite and foundation for their innovative and development. Based on GIS technologies, this paper analyzes the spatial pattern of ACHs in the six provinces of central China, explores the main influencing factors, and draws the following conclusions: (1) The quantity of ACHs has grown rapidly in batches, and they mainly consist of planting and non-planting categories. The fourth and seventh batches grew the fastest, increasing by 300% and 500% respectively. The proportion of planting is 43.59%, and that of non-planting is 48.72%. (2) The ACHs in the study area is generally scattered, which is more in the east and south, and less in the west and north, forming a tripartite spatial pattern. The NNI in most provinces are greater than 1, indicating a dispersed state. There are 25 ACHs in the eastern and southern, with two higher and one medium density zones. (3) The key influencing factors are rivers, topography, economy, and transportation. 56.42% of ACHs are distributed within 0-1 km of rivers, 71.80% within 0-4 km, and 92.31% within 0-8 km. Elevation has a negative impact on the distribution of ACHs, with more pronounced effects in the west and north. Economy has a significant positive impact on the distribution of ACHs, with economically developed regions exhibiting a higher number, while economically backward areas fewer. 92.30% ACHs are concentrated in highways, 79.48% in national highways, 94.87% in provincial highways, and 76.92% in railways. (4) It should focus on the development of ACHs in the Yangtze River Basin, integrating the resources , improving the accessibility of transportation networks, and establishing a differentiated policy incentive system.