Using ArcGIS to Analyze Spatiotemporal Distribution Pattern of Intangible Cultural Heritages in Huaihai Economic Zone

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is a significant carrier that preserves historical context and reinforces cultural confidence. It holds important historical, literary, artistic, and scientific value. Analyzing the spatiotemporal patterns of ICHs is beneficial for achieving the strategic objectives of the national soft power and fostering the harmonious development of the economy and culture. In this paper, 605 ICHs in the Huaihai Economic Zone (HEZ) are selected as research objects. The characteristics of their historical origins and the laws of their spatiotemporal evolutions are analyzed and described based on the ArcGIS platform, using some spatial analysis methods such as the average nearest neighbor, the density analysis, and the center of gravity model. The findings indicate that the distribution of ICHs in the HEZ is unbalanced across space. It is characterized by multiple clusters and high aggregations, with two highly concentrated areas in Heze and Xuzhou. There are significant differences in the number and types of ICHs in different periods. The center of spatial distribution changed markedly over time, showing a pattern of “meandering from the east, and then from north to south”. The findings of this study can supply valuable data references and decision-making bases for collaborative development and active inheritance of ICH projects HEZ.