Spatial correlation analysis of GDP at township scale of Fujian based on nighttime light data

Scale effect is one of the fundamental problems in the research of economy. The trend of economic globalization has put forward higher requirements for macroeconomic research on township scale. The research on distribution characteristics of township gross domestic product (GDP) can provide more precise information to well know spatial patterns and situations of Fujian economy. The study can also provide the scientific basis and the decision-making support for optimal distribution of industries in Fujian. The research focused on the spatial difference of GDP data in townships of Fujian Province in 2000, 2005 and 2010 to reveal features of spatial autocorrelation and aggregation of township's economic development. The nighttime light data was used to simulate township-level GDP distribution by geographic information system (GIS). The results showed the GDP distribution had obvious positive correlation with spatial agglomeration and unbalanced regional economic development in townships of Fujian Province. The results showed there is obvious positive correlation among GDP distribution, spatial agglomeration and unbalanced regional economic development in townships of Fujian Province. Spatial agglomeration finally formed their centers in Fuzhou, Xiamen and Quanzhou within developed coastal areas. From 2000 to 2010, the spatial heterogeneity and spatial agglomeration decreased, and influencing factors including policies and geographical location were analyzed in this research. The dynamics of economic spatial pattern at township scale in Fujian showed that high value clusters distribute in the coastal region as low value clusters in inland. Among them, the economic development of Quanzhou and Xiamen had a strong driving effect on the surrounding towns. This research enriched the practical method to analyze the township's economy at provincial scale.