Spatiotemporal distribution of toponymic cultural heritage of water-related settlement place names in Manas River Basin

Abstract

Place names, as cultural heritage, include significant regional, geographic, and socio-historical information. Understanding their spatiotemporal distribution is critical for elucidating human-land interactions. This study employs ArcGIS software, integrating historical maps and local chronicles, to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of toponymic cultural heritage (TCH) of water-related settlement place names in the Manas River Basin, since the eighteenth century. Our analysis reveals: (1) Spatially, TCH exhibits highest density in the alluvial plain, concentrating within a 0–2 km buffer zone of rivers, reflecting intense water-centric human activity. (2) Quantitatively, TCH experienced an initial slow accumulation followed by rapid growth. (3) TCH can be categorized into natural and humanistic landscape classifications. Natural TCH is influenced by elevation and hydrography, while humanistic TCH is shaped by water resource utilization strategies, regional development, and demographic shifts. Preserving this TCH offers substantial cultural resources and a theoretical foundation for local knowledge transmission, fostering social identity, and promoting sustainable development.

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