Shaping local Chinese religious cultural heritage: spatial distribution characteristic of Macau Earth God faith space via GIS

As a World Heritage city, the Earth God belief system constitutes a unique cultural heritage in Macau during the integration of Chinese and European cultures. Based on historical data analysis, field surveys, statistical records, GIS spatial geographic information, and data cross-analysis, this study separates the four spatial forms of the Macau land temple cultural landscape: temples, niche, shrines, and spirit tablets. It explores the spatial distribution pattern of Macau Earth God temples and their relationship with local society and culture. The results show that: (1) The formation spatial pattern of Macau Earth God temples is influenced by multiple factors, such as local Chinese worship, community needs, and land policies, and it is adapted to urban needs. (2) The Earth God temple cultural landscape presents a distribution feature of “one center and multiple scattered points,” constructing a hierarchical space of “core-axis-network,” with an obvious spatial agglomeration effect. (3) The Earth God temple cultural landscape gradually radiates from the central core area to the periphery (urban development boundary), showing strong vitality and suitability for urban development.