Integrating GIS and Social Network Analysis for Heritage Corridor Identification: A Case Study of the Shaanxi Section of the Shangwu Ancient Road

Linear cultural heritage systems require approaches that identify both spatial extent and relational organization, particularly where documented historical routes comprise multiple transport modes and subsystems. This study develops an integrated GIS–Social Network Analysis (SNA) framework for the Shaanxi section of the Shangwu Ancient Road, aiming to support differentiated conservation and continuity-sensitive spatial planning. Average Nearest Neighbor analysis, Kernel Density Estimation, proximity analysis, and cumulative coverage identified spatial clustering and route-specific basic corridor extents; an evidence-based weighted network was constructed from historical, functional, spatial, and cultural relationships. Heritage showed significant clustering and a multi-nodal, node–axis pattern. Basic corridor extents were identified as 2 km for the Main Route System, 4 km for the Southern Branch, and 3 km for the Danjiang Waterway on either side of their axes. The final network contained 81 nodes, 79 valid edges, and 11 relational groups, with distinct core and bridge nodes. Spatial hotspots and relational groups only partially overlapped, supporting three study-defined classes: Core Corridors, Key Associated Corridors, and General Coordinated Corridors. These outputs distinguish priority cores, continuity-sensitive connections, and coordinated background sections. The workflow is transferable to other linear heritage systems with established historical routes, provided that parameters are locally recalibrated.