A new geographical model for spatial distribution and drivers of traditional villages in southern Zhejiang

Southern Zhejiang hosts numerous traditional villages with spatial distribution patterns shaped by both natural geography and socio-economic transformation. This study applies a novel geographic approach integrating GIS and R with the Optimized Geographical Detector (OPGD) model to autonomously optimize data classification. Unlike conventional spatial analysis, OPGD systematically selects optimal discretization schemes to reduce bias and reveal complex factor interactions. The research aims to address a gap in understanding how natural and socio-economic drivers jointly influence traditional village distribution in developed yet topographically complex regions. Results show: (1) terrain–waterway clustering of villages; (2) distinct spatial differentiation by construction periods, household size, and designation levels; (3) balanced environmental–socioeconomic influences, with road accessibility amplifying their interactions. Unlike regions constrained mainly by natural factors, southern Zhejiang demonstrates adaptive spatial organization under complex terrain and rapid development. These insights contribute to global discussions on cultural landscape resilience and sustainable heritage conservation in transforming economies.