Analyze Sustainable Urban Planning in Conservation of a Heritage City through GIS: Taking Xi'an as an Example
Keywords:
GIS, Heritage Conservation, Urban Sustainability, Road Networks, China, Xi'anAbstract
The study here is on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in sustainable urban planning in heritage cities, with a case study of Xi'an. The study is a search for ways through which GIS can be used to conserve heritage in the face of constraints of urban development, particularly road network development and accessibility of cultural heritage sites. The study also investigates challenges in the application of GIS in sustainable urban planning, such as constraints in data and policy. A qualitative approach is utilized that uses secondary sources of evidence such as government records, satellite images, and GIS databases. GIS software such as ArcGIS and QGIS are used to analyze the spatial correlation of Xi'an’s road network and cultural heritage sites, assess urban sustainability indicators, and identify conflicts and opportunities in balancing urbanization and heritage conservation. The research indicates that although Xi'an's road network offers greater connectivity, some of the expansions are threatening the conservation of heritage. GIS analysis indicates locations where accessibility can be improved without jeopardizing cultural landmarks. Pedestrianization in the area close to heritage sites, traffic control optimized to decongest sensitive areas, and buffer zones to safeguard historical areas from encroachment by urbanization are the most important recommendations. The study contributes to the mounting literature on heritage conservation and sustainable urban planning using GIS applications. It demonstrates the use of GIS as a helpful tool for planners, offering fact-based advice for optimizing infrastructure planning, enhancing urban access to heritage sites, and guiding future policy planning. Not only is the study relevant for Xi'an but can be generalized to other similar heritage cities worldwide with urbanization problems, establishing the usefulness of GIS in urban sustainable development everywhere.
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